The Company of Master Jewellers set to expand in 2015
December 2014 – The UK and Ireland’s biggest co-operative of independent retail jewellers, the CMJ is aiming to increase its retail membership in 2015, with major direct marketing campaigns to quality independent retail jewellers.
This year, the CMJ is set to smash last year’s record turnover of £110 million, having already reached this level of turnover by the end of its third quarter trading, and has welcomed 17 new retailers to the group.
CMJ chief executive Willie Hamilton said: “The CMJ has grown considerably over the past few years, but we still only represent a fraction of the number of independent retail jewellers across the UK and Ireland.
“Our successful transition from a small buying group into a major organisation is something that we now want to build on.
“We offer independent jewellers the chance to improve their businesses, through the very best terms from our supplier partners, valuable networking opportunities, training, marketing and consultancy.
“Many of our new members tell me that it is a lonely life being an independent retailer and sometimes it’s hard to make informed decisions that enable a business to grow and adapt to changing market conditions.
“The CMJ is here to help the independent jeweller, ensuring that these important family businesses continue to thrive on our high streets.”
Hamilton added, “While the CMJ can support and help our members, we never interfere or impose upon them. We strongly believe that all our retail members must remain as independent businesses. Our role is to ensure that happens.”
Alongside targeting new members, the group will be holding further regional meetings for its retailers across the UK and Ireland in 2015.
These meetings, which were successfully launched in 2014, have proved to be a valuable resource for its members, allowing retailers to talk freely about their local business challenges and opportunities.
The CMJ will also be exhibiting at The Jewellery and Watch Show Birmingham, on stand 17NO4 where members of the executive team and directors will be on hand to welcome any enquiries from independent retailers.
Holding two trade events each year, the CMJ’s next event will be held from February 15th to 16th in Birmingham.
Over 120 CMJ approved suppliers will be exhibiting new collections over the two days, including Pandora, BQ Watches, Euro Pearls, Lalique, The Peers Hardy Group, Citizen, Seiko and Casio watches.
And the widely acclaimed UK Jewellery Business Conference, hosted by the CMJ for the past two years, will be held again in October 2015.
A recent new CMJ member is David Shuttle of Beaconsfield. Jonathan Partridge of David Shuttle said: “The CMJ has been invaluable to our business. Not only have they opened doors to new suppliers and other experienced retailers, but we are also reaping financial rewards on our existing accounts. We are looking forward to expanding this relationship and contributing our own knowledge and experience to other members in the future”.
The Company of Master Jewellers currently has 155 members, representing 350 shops and include award-winning retailers such as SWAG, Allum & Sidaway, TH Baker, Green+Benz, Wakefields Jewellers and Prestons of Bolton.
