NAJ Unveils Finalists of 2017 Awards
November 2017 – The NAJ Awards is an annual programme that celebrates the achievements of NAJ Members. 2017 is the first year in which specialist category judges have been introduced in addition to a mystery shopping element performed by store checkers, who will mystery shop each of the finalists in the Retailer of the Year category.
NAJ members responded to the call for entries in droves, leaving the association and the category judges with much to deliberate. The newest category, Website of the Year, received the most entries, indicating that many members have invested in their websites this year.
The 2017 headline sponsor is DASH, a digital currency.
The following companies submitted entries based on their achievements during the period July 2016 – June 2017 and they are on the 2017 shortlist.
Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Hockley Mint)
Recognising bricks and mortar shops that deliver an excellent in-store experience and service that inspires their customers, employees and suppliers.
Anja Potze Jewellery
Wongs Jewellers
W E Clarke & Son
Peter Jackson Jeweller
Jody Cory Goldsmith
Jewellery & Watch Supplier of the Year (sponsored by CARAT+)
Recognising suppliers of jewellery, silverware and watches that have provided a consistently good service and added value, alongside dynamic product.
Nova Silver
Unique and Co
London De Limited
Hockley Mint
Roseberry
Sales Person of the Year (sponsored by Wolf)
Recognising outstanding service delivered by retail staff, sales agents or area sales people.
Hollie Francis, Henryka Ltd
Eleanor Marshall, R J Morris Jewellers
James Beckinsale, 77 Diamonds
Victoria Louise, Lucy Quartermaine
Zee Robinson, Claudia Bradby
Website of the Year (sponsored by T H March)
Recognising outstanding B2B or B2C websites that are customer friendly and inspire the user to make an informed purchase.
77 Diamonds
Winterson
Atelier Technology
Lucy Quartermaine
Repairsbypost
Service Provider of Year (sponsored by Jewellery & Watch)
Recognising outstanding services delivered to the jewellery industry
Hockley Mint
The Guild of Valuers & Jewellers
The Jewellers Box Company
John Benjamin Ltd
Parify Ltd
Workshop Employee of the Year (sponsored by Presman Mastermelt)
Recognising the outstanding skills demonstrated by individuals who work in the workshop environment, from experienced craftspeople to apprentices.
Deborah Rootham, PA Jewellery
Andrew Stocks, Baroque Bespoke Jewellery
Paul Strong, WJ Edwards
Ross Booner, Saunders & Pughe
Stuart Harkness, Harkness Premier Jewellers Ltd
Sam Devoil, 77 Diamonds
Paul Barker, C W Sellors, Ashbourne
Designer of the Year (sponsored by Clogau)
Recognising designers who are raising the bar in British design by creating interesting and on trend pieces.
MyriamSOS
Charlotte Lowe
VIXI Jewellery
Rachel Galley
Arabel Lebrusan
Kickstarter of the Year (in conjunction with IJL’s Kickstart programme, sponsored by International Jewellery London)
This award recognises the Kickstarter of the Year, including their growth throughout their Kickstart journey and the representation of their brand during International Jewellery London 2017.
Farrah Al-Dujaili, Oddical
Alice Barnes
Becky Dockree
Raliegh Goss
Emily Kidson
Lucy Spink Jewellery
Claire Macfarlane
Rhona McCallum
Ana Simoes, Muscari Jewellery
Heather Woof
Head of Marketing, Holly Burnett, said: “We have received some fabulous entries this year and all of the entrants should be immensely proud of their achievements. Our Members are passionate about their accomplishments, from service provision to product development; our finalists clearly put their customers at the centre of their world. We look forward to revealing the category winners at the Benevolent Society Christmas Ball in December and you’re all invited!”
The judges are currently reviewing the shortlist and the winners will be announced at the Benevolent Society Ball at St John’s Hotel in Birmingham on the 7th of December 2017. Over 400 trade members attend the ball which includes entertainment, dinner and a charity auction. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the year with your industry peers. Tickets are priced at £77 + VAT each, which include a half bottle of wine, or tables of 12 @ £850 + VAT, including 6 bottles of wine. Proceeds are donated to the Benevolent Society, a charity which provides financial assistance to retired members of the trade.
