Lindsey Straughton, Head of Communications and Industry Liaison, will leave Britain’s National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) in early September after more than two decades with the organisation.
Lindsey, who joined the NAJ (then the British Jewellers’ Association) in 1996 as Marketing Manager, has continued to support and nurture jewellery businesses to grow and develop both domestically and internationally.
Over 26 years, Lindsey has supported jewellery and silversmithing manufacturing and craftmanship; creativity and sales; helped many UK shows and exhibitions to establish themselves; led a number of trade missions abroad; and most recently played a key role in bringing the Created in the UK scheme, championing British made products to market.
Lindsey first joined the Association under the stewardship of CEO David George, who needed someone to help professionalise how the organisation communicated with members and participated in shows. Under 5 CEOs and after the major industry unification with the retail association, the NAG, Lindsey has strengthened trade and government body links for the association.
Announcing her departure from the Association, Lindsey said,
“I’m sad to be leaving the NAJ as working for the Federation has been an exciting journey, always presenting new challenges, campaigns, and projects. I would like to thank all the people who’ve been part of my time with the NAJ and previously BJA over the years. This includes members, colleagues, partners and suppliers, many of whom have become good friends. I am moving forward to seek new opportunities within the jewellery trade that will allow me to continue to support the industry that I am passionate about.”
David Doyle, NAJ President said,
“Lindsey is as unique a character as you could find in the jewellery sector and it’s been an absolute pleasure for me to have worked closely with Lindsey for over 20 years. The Association has been lucky to have benefited from the many years of service Lindsey has given, and we wish her all the very best as she moves into her consultancy role.”
Ben Massey, NAJ Principal Officer said,
“The team will certainly miss the insight Lindsey brings back from shows and events, as well as the many years of trade knowledge that’s just not possible to compress into a typical handover period. We wish her well in the future.”
Lindsey’s last day with the NAJ will be on Friday 2nd September, having supported the 2022 Bright Young Gems at the UK Jewellery Festival, an initiative Lindsey has championed alongside the KickStart programme since it was founded.
