Search Results

COVID-19 Business Support

We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful. Updated: 24 July 2020 Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures announced by the Chancellor today include: A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January

COVID-19 Business Support

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed sollicitudin risus nec quam pretium, non convallis elit faucibus. Donec vulputate, tortor id rutrum efficitur, leo dolor semper ipsum, nec fermentum ligula lectus eget nulla. Aliquam erat volutpat. Etiam fermentum ipsum in tempus dictum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed sollicitudin risus nec quam pretium, non convallis elit faucibus. Donec vulputate, tortor id rutrum efficitur, leo dolor semper ipsum, nec fermentum ligula lectus eget nulla. Aliquam erat volutpat. Etiam fermentum ipsum in tempus dictum. Nulla facilisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris purus risus, bibendum

Jeweller raises funds for Covid-19 Memorial Garden

After learning of the recent campaign in The Glasgow Herald to construct a memorial garden to commemorate those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Scotland, Caitlin Hegney was inspired to get involved and fundraise for the project. The jeweller was particularly moved by the proposal for the creation of a memorial garden in Pollock Country Park, having worked in Geilston Garden herself, recognising the profound effect that such an outdoor space can have on an individuals’ wellbeing and mental health. Hegney believes that it is essential to have a dedicated tranquil place that people can go to, where

COVID-19 Business Support - Additional Funding Sources

We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful. Updated: 19 June 2020 Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures announced by the Chancellor today include: A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January VAT

Hoffmann Group UK launches remote consultation service during COVID-19 outbreak

Hoffmann Group UK , Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has today announced the launch of its remote consultation offering to support manufacturers keeping the UK running during the COVID-19 epidemic. Hoffmann Group UK , Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has today announced the launch of its remote consultation offering to support manufacturers keeping the UK running during the COVID-19 epidemic. Using a suite of digital technologies, such as Microsoft Teams and Skype, manufacturers are able to enlist the support of a specialist consultant remotely. With the

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council reports on Covid-19 survey results

A survey with 120 respondents carried out by The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council has found that Covid-19 is adversely impacting designer-makers across the UK, driving it to announce a series of new initiatives to support, connect and inspire isolated craftspeople during this time. In a survey shared with silversmiths, jewellery designers, manufacturers, apprentices and those working in allied trades, The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) sought to understand the current needs, concerns and mood of its audience in order to best support them during this time. Among key results and feedback from over 120 respondents, the GC&DC reports:

The Luxury Institute recommends building brand equity through generosity and kind deeds in light of Covid-19

The Luxury Institute has published two White Papers in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic crisis. ' Luxury Institute Insights And Recommendations During The Covid-19 Crisis From The Global Luxury Expert Network ’ (23 March 2020) and ‘ Preparing To Reignite Your Luxury Business Post Pandemic’ (1 April 2020). An abstract of the White Papers reads: Build brand equity through generosity and kind deeds "Many mass marketing experts are advising brands to continue their advertising and public relations campaigns throughout the pandemic crisis. Some of that advice is triggered by the fact that the advertising and public relations industries are

Jeweller Stephen Saliba tells Benchpeg what its like in Italy during Covid-19

Jeweller Stephen Saliba has been a resident in Bristol for over 40 years. In the last year he took the plunge and re-located to Italy. He tells Benchpeg what its been like to relocate and set up a business during a pandemic. With over ten years of teaching experience, Stephen decided to set up a workshop and school of jewellery ‘Art Lab Todi’ in the historic town of Todi in Umbria. The school and workshop are located on the ground floor of a palace, within a town full of architectural gems and history. The Jewellery School is set up with

Silver Market Review 2019: Silver prices plummets to lowest level in more than ten years in early 2020 due to COVID-19 impact

GFMS team at Refinitiv publishes annual Silver Market Review 2019, which includes provisional supply and demand estimates for 2020. Investment demand records healthy growth in 2019, while industrial demand declines as trade wars impact orders across the supply chain. After rising to a five-month high by late February, the silver price experienced a calamitous fall in March, as precious metals got caught up in a broader market sell-off amidst the deteriorating virus outbreak according to the annual Refinitiv GFMS annual Silver Market Review 2019. As a result, silver lost 30% of its dollar value in the first three weeks of

The Goldsmiths Company Charity helps to address the cost-of-living crisis

£197,380 awarded in donations and grants to support jewellers and those working in the allied trades The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity has issued multiple cost-of-living grants to charities and apprentices within the trade to support them during this difficult period, using the remainder of the funds from its Covid-19 Fund. Originally created to address the impact of the pandemic, the Covid-19 Fund provided financial support to individuals working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades to help them through a period of hardship and help sustain the craft, skills and future of the industry during what was an unprecedented period in most

Randox Grand National 2021 trophy pays tribute to COVID pandemic key workers

The headline sponsor of the Randox Grand National has unveiled the trophy for the 2021 event with a tribute to key workers of the COVID-19 pandemic design and made by female silversmith Cara Murphy, the trophy was presented to the first female jockey winner of the Grand National on Saturday. Shown to the public for the first time on Saturday 3 April during ITV Racing’s Opening Show, the 2021 trophy has been designed for the second year by Silversmith Cara Murphy from Northern Ireland. The unique design of the silver and gold trophy, which includes illustrations of the COVID-19 virus on

British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Board announce cuts to NAJ,Giftware Association and Head Office

The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) has announced that measures are set to be put in place to ensure the finacial security and longevity of the trade body in the wake of Covid-19 and the resulting econonomic impact for 2021 going forward. A statement released by the NAJ from the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Board interim CEO reads: "As I am sure all of you are aware, the recent Covid-19 crisis has had a massive impact on the economy of the UK. The government has invested billions of pounds in the Furlough scheme to help support companies and individuals through this

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020 25 October 2020 - 6 January 2021 Academies around the world had to close their doors last Spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final exams of a lot of the graduating students needed to be postponed for this reason as well. In previous years the Marzee International Graduate Show was held in August, but this year we moved it to the end of October to make sure that we could still make this show happen. We are very pleased with the end result – it is yet again an amazing show with a great

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust raise funds through raffle

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Raffle is an opportunity for the Incorporation of Goldsmiths to raise funds for its charitable work. As a small arts charity operating in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Incorporation is now having to diversify and fundraise for all of its projects and programmes. This fundraiser, along with donations and grants, will support the work at The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and help preserve it during this challenging year and for the future. Funds raised through this raffle will be targeted to directly support Jewellers and Silversmiths at student and emerging maker level through three

Luxury Institute: The 7 Rules For Reinventing Your Luxury Business Model Post Pandemic

Citizens of the world have endured months of living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. When we are past the worst of the crisis, we will not be the same, but we know from history that there will be many major opportunities for economic prosperity. How can luxury business leaders take creative, effective steps right now to shift the growth curve to a higher plane, with a steeper growth trajectory? To help brands achieve their well-intentioned purpose and values, here are seven rules from the Luxury Institute for reinventing the luxury business model for post pandemic success. Rule 1: From Disruption

GIA open up free online courses to earn GIA diploma

As the global gem and jewelry industry navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is making access to its introductory courses easier than ever before. From May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, the GIA Essentials online courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry will be available at no cost for first-time enrollments. For additional details and to apply, visit GIA.edu/elearning-offer . This limited time opportunity teaches the fundamentals needed for a profession in gems and jewelry. By completing the three GIA Essentials eLearning courses, students may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional™ (AJP) diploma. Eligible

How are you? A little note from us to you

Hello How are you? We’ve missed you. You may have been wondering where we have been. Like all of us, Benchpeg has had to acclimatise to a ‘new normal’ and this has taken some time. We’ve had to weather a few storms before but this global pandemic is something none of us have experienced in our lifetimes. For Benchpeg, this has meant a number of personal and professional issues including the hospitalisation of one of our children with a Covid-19 scare, who is thankfully fine now. Unfortunately, this meant putting Benchpeg on hold temporarily while we hunkered down and dealt

Cancelled: IJL 2021

Reed Exhibitions, the organiser of International Jewellery London, announced this week that the jewellery industry event, which has run consistently for over 60 years, will in addition to the cancelled 2020 show, also cancel the show scheduled for 2021. A statement from Reed Exhibitions said: "Reed Exhibitions has announced that International Jewellery London (IJL) will not take place in 2021 as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Following the cancellation of IJL 2020 on 9th June; we have taken the even more difficult decision to not run IJL in 2021. Both the UK live events and jewellery industries are

Wisley Craft Fair Goes Virtual

The annual Contemporary Spring Craft Fair held at RHS Garden Wisley may have been cancelled this year due to Covid-19 but the organisers, Craft In Focus, have moved the fair online. Visitors who were planning to attend this, the UK’s most popular craft fair, will not need to miss out and can now find all their favourite exhibitors online and discover a fabulous selection of professional contemporary craftmakers and artists selected from the finest in the UK. They will not even have to queue to enter! The virtual craft fair can be found on the Craft In Focus website www.craftinfocus.com

Milano Jewelry Week

Milano Jewelry Week Milan, Italy 20 to 23 October 2022 The second edition of the widespread event dedicated to jewelry will be held from 20 to 23 October 2022. Milano Jewelry Week - week already sponsored by the Municipality of Milan and by C.N.A. Federmoda and Club degli Orafi - returns, after the obligatory stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year in October from 20th to 23rd 2022. About 200 events will animate high jewelry ateliers, goldsmith workshops, academies, schools, art galleries, fashion boutiques and design showrooms in the center of Milan. From Brera to Porta Venezia, passing through

Coronavirus: Responsible Jewellery Council orders workers to go remote

As the new coronavirus disease, officially named COVID-19, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization the Responsible Jewellery Council has ordered its staff to work remotely. They issued the following statement: Members of the jewellery and watch industry are going through a challenging time, affected by the current health and economic climate. The Responsible Jewellery Council team would like to extend its thoughts to all stakeholders and their families around the world. As the virus continues to spread extensively, we have taken additional precautionary measures. We need to be proactive and minimise the risk of the virus

CANCELLED: Handwerk & Design 2020

CANCELLATION: Internationale Handwerksmesse 2020, Handwerk & Design and Garten München 11 to 15 March 2020 Neue Messe München, Munich, Germany The organising company GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH has decided to cancel the 2020 edition of the Internationale Handwerksmesse, including Handwerk & Design and Garten München. This decision was made in light of the spread of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 and the urgent recommendation of the Bavarian government’s crisis team to cancel or postpone any large international trade shows until further notice. This also applies to the Internationale Handwerksmesse, which will take place again in 2021. The Internationale Handwerksmesse, scheduled to take

Covid Forces Fashion Industry to Explore Virtual Reality Alternatives

As industries across the world have been forced to innovate and be creative in the challenges of COVID-19, one sector which was surprisingly quick to adapt was that of fashion buying. BrandLab, a unique virtual reality showroom developer, saw 500% increase in profit between May and June, as brands moved their physical showrooms to virtual. The growth has led to international investment, with new offices being launched in LA, Paris and New York and plans to expand their business beyond the fashion industry and develop direct-to-consumer platforms for everything from shopping centres and art galleries to car showrooms and football

SIERAAD 2022

Overwhelmed by two difficult years of Corona, there is now a beautiful 19th edition of SIERAAD Art Fair, International Jewellery Fair. Despite all the Covid-19 troubles, the lockdowns etc. we have participants from all over the world for this edition who will soon be shining in the beautiful Gashouder in Amsterdam. There will be about 130 designers/makers on display. Two academies, one from Maastricht, Maastricht Institute of Arts in the Netherlands and one from Lithuania, Vilnius Academy of Arts, with enormously talented students. This year there is a group of jewellery designers from South Korea, which we are also looking

Experts share insight on non-essential retail shops reopening and provide reassurance on how to shop safely

This week, all non-essential retail shops re-opened after 12 weeks of closure since the COVID-19 outbreak. Hundreds of thousands of non-essential retail shops across England are set to reopen including Shopping centres and shops will look and operate differently compared to three months ago, when the public were last shopping in them. To inform the public on what to expect and showcase the new changes that have been implemented, shopping expert and TV star Gok Wan along with media doctor Dr Zoe Williams were granted early access to some stores on London’s iconic Oxford Street to find out more before they

International Jewellery London 202 Cancelled

Reed Exhibitions has announced that International Jewellery London, scheduled to take place at Alexandra Palace, London, from 13 to 15 September 2020 will be cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Reed Exhibitions issued the following statement: "Following UK government guidelines and comprehensive discussions with our customers, public health authorities and partner organisations, we do not believe that we are in a position to host a large scale gathering of the community in September without compromising the key valuable elements of IJL. T he health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, partners and staff is our number one priority. Therefore, a

Visual Capitalist:: Charting the Rise and Fall of the Global Luxury Goods Market

The Visual Capatalist has reported on a post pandemic overview of the global luxury goods market predicting a decline in purchases. The Rise and Fall of the Global Luxury Goods Market - the Executive Summary Global demand for personal luxury goods has been steadily increasing for decades, resulting in an industry worth $308 billion in 2019. However, the insatiable desire for consumers to own nice things was suddenly interrupted by the coming of COVID-19, and experts are predicting a brutal contraction of up to one-third of the current luxury good market size this year. Will the industry bounce back? Or

Scotland’s Annual Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold Pops Up in Aberdeen

Scotland’s Annual Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold Pops Up in Aberdeen The highly successful Elements Festival – Scotland’s biggest celebration of jewellery, silver and gold – is staging its first ever event in Aberdeen this weekend. While most of this year’s festival is digital, due to COVID-19, a series of pop-ups are taking place which will allow people to meet some of the finest emerging and established designers and makers from Scotland and the rest of the UK. This Saturday and Sunday Aberdeen Art Gallery will be hosting four Scottish makers selected for this year’s festival: Christina Hirst

Insta hashtags prompt sales in lockdown

The artist Matthew Burrows set up an artist-led movement and network on 16th March 2020 to support artists struggling financially during Covid-19 using the social media platform Instagram – with a simple pledge. The pledge #artistsupportpledge created a much needed route to market in lockdown for artists and makers. He released a statement saying that within a month “…from making the first sales pledge I am a little awe struck yet completely delighted by the momentum and viral take up of this campaign. It is not just an important network and survival mechanism for artists: It has become a global Hear

Gift card industry launches campaign to drive £2.3 billion high street recovery

The gift card and voucher industry, led by the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) , has urged the government to raise the tax free gift card limit to £500, which could bring the high street an estimated spending boost of more than £2 billion*. The proposal would involve the government increasing the tax-free gifting allowance of £50 currently permitted through HMRC’s Trivial Benefits Allowance to £500, and encouraging employers across the nation to use the scheme to thank their staff for their hard work over the past few months of COVID-19 uncertainty. This permanent increase initiative follows similar proposals