NAG and BJA move closer towards establishment of National Association of Jewellers
BIRMINGHAM, England, February 4, 2015 – The National Association of Goldsmiths and the British Jewellers’ Association have released further details surrounding the proposed unification of both organisations.
Following consultation with members which recorded overwhelming support for the proposal the new organisation is to be known as the National Association of Jewellers, thus bringing together key elements of the names from the existing bodies.
With the current organisations having long and proud histories, a key objective for the new Association is to be regarded as the authority on the sector and the issues relating to it. The proposed National Association of Jewellers will also support and promote the growth of a vibrant and professional Jewellery industry.
Principally the Association will support both members and consumers throughout the buying process by encouraging high standards and professionalism, underpinned by a robust Code of Practice with strong enforcement and sanctions, while also promoting ethical purchasing and integrity across the entire sector. The Association will also work with others in the trade to represent UK jewellery in both industry and non-industry media and forums.
At the Jewellery and Watch Show, the officers and chief executives from both BJA and NAG are spending time on stand 18J60/K61, which the associations are jointly occupying, and will be available to discuss the proposed unification. They look forward to hearing the views and thoughts of members and to answering any questions that might arise. A video and booklet will be available on the stand for members to view that sets out the vision, mission and values for the new Association.
Gary Wroe, Chairman of the BJA, said: “Our new Association – the National Association of Jewellers – will be the go-to association for the entire jewellery supply chain. We aim to increase consumer confidence in the purchase of jewellery as they are our final customer whether we are retailers or manufacturers, encourage the professionalism of association members, promote the highest standards of integrity and support the trade through education and training support programmes such as the Responsible Sourcing Programme as well as upholding compliance to the Association’s new Code of Practice.”
Andrew Hinds, Chairman of the NAG, added: “We have a clear vision of where we want the new Association to be heading. Over the next few months the working party will continue to focus its efforts and resources to make sure that we are ready, following the member votes at the AGM, to put the detailed plans into action. We understand the need to set, maintain and develop standards for our members to uphold, and to become the reference point for our industry.”
Representatives from the NAG and the BJA are on stand 18J60/K61 at the Jewellery and Watch Show Birmingham at Spring Fair at the NEC in Birmingham on 1-5 February to discuss the forthcoming merger and its impact on the industry.
