“Partnership ethos” the focus of CMJ’s new supplier meetings
BIRMINGHAM, England, February 13, 2019 – The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) hosted two special supplier network meetings recently, to create discussion on key topics, to let suppliers have their say and to feed their views into the CMJ supplier strategy for the next five years to 2025.
Held at the National association of Jewellers’ (NAJ) Britton Street HQ, and Birmingham Assay Office’s AnchorCert Academy on January 14 and 15, discussions were led by chief executive officer Terry Boot, executive director of business development and marketing Lucy Reece-Raybould and CMJ supplier director and CMJ (UK) head of sales, Barrie Dobson.
Attended by more than 35 suppliers, Boot updated suppliers on major changes seen in the past 12 months, including CMJ’s “getting back to core” values, corporate governance and improved financial rigour. Boot also advised suppliers of a new membership development manager, due to join the CMJ team in coming weeks.
Furthermore, Reece-Raybould, highlighted the communications changes that had been implemented including the installation of Customer Relationship Management software, HubSpot, and further updates to the new CMJ website, including a secure, interactive and closed-group supplier forum.
A separate members forum is also included in the website developments. All, she added, in a bid to improve supplier and retailer relations and to ensure CMJ was adding value at every touch point with all stakeholders.
Trade exhibitions was a hot topic, and suppliers were keen to look at forging a “partnership ethos” between suppliers and retailers, whether CMJ should seek to bring in more non-jewellery partners and how CMJ could partner with other trade organisations to increase member and supplier benefits.
Boot confirmed this is already bearing fruit with members receiving additional discount on NAJ educational training courses.
Ruth Johnson, general manager of Gecko Jewellery, said: “It’s good to see the CMJ refocusing its efforts and attention on its core strengths as a jewellery buying group. The new supplier network meetings are definitely a step in the right direction; bringing together our expertise and counsel for the benefit of the whole group.
“It was great to be part of the wider discussions on topics including trade events and retailer engagement, and I’m looking forward to participating in similar events in the future.”
Commenting on the event, Boot said: “This event was just the start of a series of supplier-focused meetings. It was a really useful, thought-provoking exercise for us, and an enjoyable networking opportunity for the suppliers who attended.
“Overall, the same main topics were discussed at both sessions and our core takeaways for deliberation and future focus will be how can CMJ continue to increase member engagement and how can we add more value to our core services for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
The Company of Master Jewellers Spring Trade event will take place on 17-18 February 2019. For information on how you can attend or to find out more about the UK’s largest jewellery buying group, please email [email protected]
