BIRMINGHAM, October 2019 – Jewellery & Watch has announced plans to host a forward-thinking sourcing scheme, facilitated by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), designed to connect UK-made brands and makers with department store buyers.
The application-only Spring FORWARD programme will put homegrown jewellery design talents directly in the path of department store buyers at Jewellery & Watch 2020 thanks to a dedicated exhibition space and on-site appointments. This will be backed-up by 12-months of assistance from the NAJ directly following the show.
Jewellery & Watch event director, Kirsty Broere, says: “We know that British department stores have a strong desire to source UK-made products and tell these stories to their customers. Many stores are choosing to work with brands and businesses in their local area, or city, to inspire customers with homegrown and local product they can relate to. We are excited to collaborate with the NAJ on this fantastic project and make great business connections for our visitors and exhibitors.”
Individuals and brands chosen for the scheme will benefit from prime exhibition space at Jewellery & Watch 2020, allowing them to meet the full breadth of visitors and conduct pre-arranged meetings with buyers.
Spring FORWARD draws on previous experiences between the NAJ and John Lewis, including a campaign to source Birmingham-based talent for its Grand Central store in Birmingham’s New Street Station. The project also aligns with the aims of Jewellery & Watch, Spring Fair and parent company, Hyve Group plc, by making meaningful connections between qualified buyers and a design-focused range of exhibitors.
NAJ jewellery industry ambassador, Lindsey Straughton, says: “Having recently launched Created in the UK, we are delighted that Jewellery & Watch is keen to shine a spotlight on UK designed and made product. The Spring FORWARD programme will bring department store buyers and a carefully chosen group of Jewellery & Watch exhibitors together to do business. We are keen to help department store buyers achieve stronger relationships with British and local makers, which is why we are now making a call for applications to find the most innovative and interesting homegrown talent to take part.”
Interested parties are encouraged to email [email protected] or telephone 020 3545 9795 for more information and to register their interest.
Applicants must agree to join the process of becoming an NAJ member and a Created in the UK license in order to qualify. Contact [email protected] or telephone 07771664824 for more details.
The deadline is Monday 18th November 2019.
Jewellery & Watch 2020 will take place at the front of Hall 1, just off the main Piazza of the NEC. This accessible location allows for the integration of Jewellery & Watch with Fashion sector exhibitors, as well as easy access to Greetings & Stationary in Hall 2, Gifts in Halls 3 and 4, and Retail Solutions in Hall 5.
This exciting new show layout, designed to mimic the bustle of a large department store, makes it easier for visitors to source complementary products and in turn, generates more new leads for exhibitors.
Jewellery & Watch, part of Spring Fair, will take place from February 2-6, 2020, while the new Jewellery & Watch Salon will take place at Autumn Fair from September 6-9, 2020, both at the NEC, Birmingham.
