Benchpeg turns 18 - A selection of quotes

 

“www.benchpeg.com wittily gathers all corners of the jewellery trade through the ubiquitous symbol that identifies us: the humble benchpeg. As with many great things, simple is often best and most effective! Congratulations."

Cassandra Goad

“Benchpeg is the authoritative resource for the jewellery sector, and it is testament to the regard in which it is held, and the tireless work of its staff and supporters, that it is still going strong after 18 years! Congratulations from everyone at Heritage Crafts!”

Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director

“Life before Benchpeg!! In those former days cohesive and universal networking was harder and protracted. I recall a hard copy A – Z buyers guide to use! The timing, vision, ability, and ambition of Benchpeg was perfect for providing the profession with information, contacts, advertising and networking that was frankly a welcome revelation. It has gone from strength to strength, and the mere fact that we all know, use and rely on Benchpeg is testament enough to validate its welcome existence and the unique service it continues to provide and deliver. Happy 18th Birthday Benchpeg, thank you Rebecca, please continue to do what you do so well for the GC&DC and the industry.”

Brian Hill , Consultant, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council

“What would Sunday nights be without my Benchpeg email, it has constantly been the source of good news and information about the trade that we all love. I’ve met new makers though Benchpeg as well as bought some fine machinery and equipment from the adverts section. Long may the ‘Peg’ be part of our great tradition”. 

Rod Kelly, Master Silversmith

“I was working on the Goldsmiths’ Centre project when Rebecca started Benchpeg as a part-time enterprise. They were two of the more significant initiatives taking place to address the challenges facing the craft and industry at the time. Although these challenges were of great concern, it was also encouraging to see the sector starting to fight back and embrace the future in ways that used and taught new digital technologies and the increasing power of the internet. Benchpeg has come a long way in the past 18 years, as has the craft and industry it represents. Against all the predictions of the prophets of doom at the time Benchpeg has gone from strength to strength and in no small way has enabled many to achieve and contribute more than they could have imagined. Rebecca and Howard, you need congratulating for your vision, skills and long term commitment to the Sector.”

Peter White BSc MA Dip TP, Fresh Life Consulting

“As a supporter, Thomas Lyte have witnessed first-hand the profound impact Benchpeg has had on craft professionals and businesses alike, helping to navigate through changes with agility and foresight. Their efforts have enriched our industry and the career paths of our staff and suppliers, making goldsmithing and silversmithing more accessible, driving innovation and connectivity. I'm proud to support an organisation that has so significantly shaped our sector's landscape.”

Kevin Baker, Founder, CEO and Royal Warrant Grantee at Thomas Lyte
 

“Since the early stages of Benchpeg the team have worked tirelessly to develop an amazing much needed resource that supports and informs the fine jewellery industry through news, sharing of events and a central space for many positions and opportunities to be included in their listings. It has turned into a go to space for many designers, makers, companies, tutors and students to keep up to date with what is going on as well as use for recruitment and look for employment opportunities. We hope to see the website, emails and team continue this fabulous work over the coming years, a huge thank you to them.”

Rebecca Skeels MA, PGC, SFHEA, Senior Lecturer BA (hons) Jewellery and Objects, School of Jewellery Birmingham

“Benchpeg has become an essential resource for all areas of the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Trades Industry to connect, to recruit but also to remain informed. Our congratulations to Rebecca and supporters on reaching this significant milestone.”

 

Ben Massey, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Jewellers

“Whether you are a newbie just entering an apprenticeship or an established jewellery store or company, Benchpeg is a wonderful resource for information, guidance and opportunities within this magnificent craft.”

Gerry Tilling

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you and Benchpeg over the years, you have done a fantastic job in promoting the contemporary jewellery industry in all its myriad facets with such creative flare.”

Kath Libbert, Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery

"Happy Birthday to Rebecca and everyone at Benchpeg. Boodles have used Benchpeg very successfully to find staff to work in our design and production departments. Our HR team tell me that the service is fantastic and obliging. The two main workshops we use, employing some 30 craftsmen and CAD designers, also use Benchpeg for finding staff. You really do not need to look anywhere else for staff in the jewellery manufacturing sector."

Michael Wainwright, Managing Director, Boodles

“Congratulations to Rebecca at Benchpeg for enlightening the trade for eighteen years – the Benchmark of our industry for news, events, jobs and more!
From the early days you have been a beacon for all makers be they individuals or larger companies, we always look forward to seeing the latest news every week.
Well done and keep up the great publication!”

Richard Fox, Fox Silver Limited

“The launch of Benchpeg all those years ago was a breath of fresh air, here we had an online publication that covered all aspects of our industry, edited by someone that knew what we all wanted to know. It is also the go to agency if one was looking for new people to work alongside us within our businesses.”

John Coupland, Managing Director, Fope Jewellery Ltd.

“6pm on a Sunday night an email awaits in my inbox from one of the most recognised names for any persons associated with metalwork ‘Benchpeg’, came into our lives. With stories - insights – exhibitions - trends to name a few has been meticulously and eloquently put together and distributed to all parts of the UK and beyond. The format - simple easy to read that has reached an audience with the love and passion of all things within our profession and brought us closer than we had ever anticipated before. It has touched our lives and even saved a few… with first hand experience of being badly burnt, I reached out to Rebecca van Roojen the founder what had happened. It was imperative for everyone to check their equipment to make sure it did not happen again. The article went pretty much viral and messages from around the world sharing that they had acted, and to their surprise their equipment was also faulty to such an extent that could’ve been detrimental for their safety and life.  Benchpeg is not just a magazine that shares stories, it brings the community together. It helps one another for the greater good. I believe that our community has grown where we are starting to take care of each other in ways that are not seen for money or gain, but through the love and passion of our beautiful craft. Each edition, the last words from the editor says keep safe and stay well.”

Wayne Victor Meeten, Master Silversmith

“If you are in the jewellery trade, you know Benchpeg and its importance to the trade, networking and community legacy. But not everyone knows Rebecca, and this is who I would like to say a few words about.
Rebecca is the soul of Benchpeg and writer of the always inspiring newsletter introductions. Rebecca is brave; a visionary, who has followed her commitment of informing the trade with admirable consistency for 18 years. She is, at the same time, strong and forceful, as well as humble and discreet. With deep knowledge of the sector, she has offered her time to whoever needs it, be it an organisation, a board or an educational institution. Always retraining, a mother of two, Rebecca, a woman of strong principles, routed in her upbringing has a third child, that she shares with us all: benchpeg. And I cannot but admire her for through this third child, she makes our knowledge and love for what we do deeper and more informed. Thank you Rebecca. You are amazing.”

Maria Spanou - Sofianni Jewellery

“Benchpeg is, and hopefully always will be, an essential, one-stop marketplace for our industry. Whatever one’s role in the industry, there is always something of interest each week. In addition it’s been great to have Rebecca’s team as media partner and supporter for a number of our special events. Best wishes – keep up the good work!”

Terry Hunt, Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Chair

“In 18 years Rebecca and the team have gone from strength to strength, a testament to focus, dedication and tenacity. Benchpeg is an industry institution, and anything but institutional. Happy 18th Birthday Benchpeg.”

Fiona McKeith Fiona McKeith. Head of Corporate Development Management, Corporation of London

“Benchpeg has been instrumental in bringing what was a disparate community together. With no agenda, we've come to rely on Benchpeg as the honest, impartial and relentlessly reliable voice of the industry, and the industry is definitely the stronger for it! Happy Birthday Benchpeg, we hope you are having some well deserved celebrations.”

Sally Dodson, Director, Hand Engravers Association (HEA)

“Happy Birthday Benchpeg. I'm travelling a lot: to stay informed, connected and knowledgeable about opportunities, news and current UK thinking Benchpeg IS the "one-stop shop!" Thank you for keeping it so easy and enjoyable. Here's to at least another 18 years.”

David Clarke, Delightful Troublemaker and Silversmith

“Benchpeg is the information hub of the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades. When we gained Rebecca as a Trustee, not only did we get her expertise, we also got an invaluable insight into the sector which allows us to plan strategically for the future. Rebecca is generous with her time as a voluntary Trustee and has been unwavering in her charitable commitment to Bishopsland and support for the whole industry. Benchpeg allows this additional, often unseen impact to happen.”

Howard Dellar, Chair of Trustees, Bishopsland Educational Trust

“Benchpeg provides an invaluable resource to those working as jewellers, silversmiths and in the allied trades. It has become my go to resource for the latest industry news, and I could not be more pleased to see the growth and impact of this unique platform under the leadership of Liveryman, Rebecca van Rooijen.”

Sarah Jurado, Director of Membership and Communications, The Goldsmiths’ Company

“Benchpeg is always an interesting read, but it’s often also a useful one. It collates a different range of industry stories from others and reaches a different audience. I enjoy starting the week with the email and we’ve also found it useful for recruitment for bench roles in our business.”

Andrew Hinds, Director, F Hinds

“I can’t believe its been 18 years.
And what a tumultuous 18 years it has been for the Jewellery industry, with technology making big differences to what has been a fairly traditional techniques led world.
Technology has brought many advantages - for instance in terms of selling direct to the public through the internet; but this has in turn led to the break down of the traditional ways we communicate and engage with each other within the business world and led to the virtual collapse of the trade shows we were so used to gathering at.
Potential fragmentation has been avoided partly due to the important role Benchpeg has played in keeping us all informed and talking.
One of the other ways that the industry has changed in this time is in the rise of the female centric ‘alternative’ jewellery industry which has emerged from the Art School graduate scene.
Without communication channels like Benchpeg, with its connections to Goldsmiths Hall, it would be harder to keep in touch with others in this brave new world, as the traditional trade magazines are more closely allied to the old ways of doing things. It’s an ever changing world so communication and awareness are even more important – keep up the good work!”

Dan Dower, Design Director, Dower & Hall

“Bravo for Benchpeg! Congratulations on this milestone. You provide a vital service for the jewellery profession - connecting, informing, cheerleading and supporting. As a digital platform it provides an invaluable space to share information across the sector - but it is the passion for the subject matter from the team that elevates it and ensures it is relevant & engaging. Happy Happy Birthday.”

Natalie Melton, Executive Director, Crafts Council

“I have been delighted to receive a regular copy of Benchpeg over the last twenty years.
It has been an invaluable source of information, trade news and general stuff that is so necessary to keeping up with our craft and the greater industry.
The jobs section has been tremendous at reaching parts of the trade that the main titles seemingly fail to penetrate.
Thank you Benchpeg and congratulations on your eighteenth birthday, many happy returns.”

Peter Crump. Managing Director, VIPA Designs

“Benchpeg is an invaluable platform and advocate for the metalwork and jewellery sector.”

Rebecca Knot, Curator of Metalwork, 1900-Now, V&A

“The connectedness of Benchpeg to our industry has been exemplary throughout the last 18 years and we are keen readers and users of the magazine at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, part of Birmingham City University. Thank you for supporting us, promoting our activities, and for providing a valuable reflection of our industry. Long may you continue!”

Jeremy Hobbins, Deputy Head of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles · School of Jewellery

“Benchpeg is an invaluable resource for emerging makers, whether they are looking for jobs to move into after completing their studies or keeping up to date with training, bursary and event opportunities. We send many congratulations on a milestone 18th birthday.”

Claire Murdoch & The Bishopsland Educational Trust

“Congratulations to Benchpeg on 18 years of excellence! Your platform's commitment to sustainability and inclusivity has helped shape the UK jewellery landscape for the better. Here's to many more years of success and impact.”

Thelma West, Jeweller.

“Happy Birthday Benchpeg! Your email is always something to look forward to on a Sunday night as a gentle pre-cursor to a(nother) working week. As a customer, ‘Editor’* is always a delight to work with and full of valuable insight; as a reader they* have/ has a genuinely unique and enjoyable voice, sharing wisdom across many strands of our industry. As a fresh faced 18 year old, hope your first legal drink is an enjoyable one!

Adam Jacobs, www.jacobsthejewellers.com

“Massive congratulations on Benchpeg’s coming of age. Rebecca’s baby has gown tall and strong to become the indispensable publication for creative and practical jewellers everywhere. Rebecca and her team should be deservedly proud of what they have achieved and I look forward with excitement to watching Benchpeg‘s future progress. No success is ever achieved without extreme hard work, commitment and picking yourself up when things go wrong, so well done on this amazing achievement and thank you.”

Gary Williams, General Manager, MasterMelts

“It is such a marvellous read. I look forward to it every Sunday when it enters my inbox. Rebecca and her team have provided first rate news and views on everything connected with the jewellery industry. I just can’t believe it has been 18 years. My favourite go-to is the News Edit and Features which always keeps me in the loop as to what is going on and more importantly how nice it is to be connected and enjoy the successes of others.”

Jan Springer, Independent Jewellery Consultant

“Congratulations Benchpeg on turning 18 this year.
I enjoy the Sunday evening weekly newsletter on all things jewellery. Gets me ready and raring for Monday x”

Solange Azagury-Partridge

“Way back in the summer of 1965 I disembarked from the Hook of Holland – Harwich ferry and took the train to London’s Liverpool Street Station to start my first job in Beatles-crazed London.
I advertised my skills in the classified section of the magazine British Jeweller. In those pre-EU days, an annual work permit was required and only after four years were these conditions lifted.
How things have gone full circle!
We joined and left the EU and today a European citizen would probably need permission again to stay in the UK.All this happened way before the internet.
Benchpeg has taken the place of many of the so-called trade papers and is doing a superb job in keeping us all up to date and providing a weekly platform for promotional and advertising purposes.”

Leo De Vroomen

“Happy 18th Birthday Benchpeg!
It has been a pleasure to work with Benchpeg since it’s beginning and follow the journey, growing and engaging with new communication channels and is now very firmly established within the jewellery community.  It is well respected within the trade, especially the design community, sharing opinions, invaluable information, news and a opportunities and GC&DC is delighted to be associated and partner / collaborate with Benchpeg.”

Anne-Marie Reeves, Chair, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council

“Congratulations to Benchpeg on your 18th Birthday. Your dynamism, initiative, service + commitment to the craft have been, and remain, absolutely vital to our industry. On behalf of all of us at the National Association of Jewellers, Many Happy Returns and please stay at it on for at least another 18!”

Heather Callaway FGA DGA FIRV FNAG AMAE, Chair of the National Association of Jewellers

“Congratulations, Benchpeg, on 18 years of excellence and commitment to bridging craft and industry, connecting goldsmiths and silversmiths encompassing creativity, education, charity, innovation, commerce and more.”

Liz Olver MA RCA, Independent Jewellery Consultant

"Having been there from the beginning, I've witnessed Benchpeg grow from a simple email, listing opportunities to an impressive newsletter and website resources bursting with useful information for our industry. It has been a cornerstone in addressing the challenges our jewellery sector faces in an ever-evolving landscape, addressing challenges, connecting our community, fostering interconnectivity and promoting numerous jobs and opportunities. Congratulations to Benchpeg and the team on 18 wonderful years of making a meaningful impact on our industry over nearly two decades."

Amanda Mansell, Founder, FORGE

"I remember very clearly the day Benchpeg was created. Its key aim was to gather and disseminate opportunities to reach the wider industry. It was an exciting moment, dented only slightly by downing the servers with the thousands of pdfs that went out. Since then it has grown and developed to become part of our weekly life as an industry, landing in our inboxes faithfully every Sunday evening. I have seen with my own eyes the sheer volume of work that goes into curating the newsletter each week and how it has positively impacted countless careers. So the happiest of birthdays to Benchpeg and Rebecca - I’m super proud to have been on this journey alongside you and wish you ever greater success."

Karin Paynter, Independent Creative Industries Consultant