PRESS RELEASE: Benchpeg + New Designers partner to deliver ND Educates

Benchpeg is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with New Designers, the 40 year old annual graduate design showcase event, to deliver ‘ND Educates’ at this year’s edition. 

The Initiative

The brand new initiative is born out of the visits Benchpeg made last year to a range of further education (FE) and higher education (HE) institutions and training facilities. Speaking to educationalists, lecturers and tutors in jewellery, silversmithing, the allied crafts and design, a constant theme emerged – that of connectivity, communication and community. Feedback from those in education was that a time and space for connectivity amongst national colleagues was desired, to enable conversation and knowledge transfer and the ability to discuss current challenges in the educational and training landscape and possible solutions.

New Designers

New Designers is the natural home to convene such an opportunity and they have placed the Benchpeg initiative at the heart of New Designers 2026 as the ‘ND Educates’ programme. The programme, as part of the opening day of the event has a Tutor’s Day emphasis which will include Industry Liaison from 12pm on Wednesday 1st July 2026 and will culminate in a education and industry focused networking reception supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, which will naturally evolve into the main New Designers Awards Evening.

The afternoon will provide the opportunity to have a guided personal tour of the graduate show specifically looking at jewellery, silverware, horology and allied crafts, time specifically devoted for education networking and connectivity, followed by a presentation on a successful education + industry partnership model, finishing with an interactive panel discussion on education’s readiness for industry. Afterwards there will be the opportunity to connect with education and industry colleagues at the London Assay Office supported reception.

ND Educates

The dedicated programme on Wednesday will bring together education leaders, lecturers, tutors and industry experts for seminars and networking sessions facilitated by Benchpeg. The discussions will address key challenges facing jewellery, silversmithing and allied crafts education and hand skills training, particularly in precious metals. Confirmed participants [to date] include Andy Howard and Katy Tromans of the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University, Paul Savage, Workshop Manager at Cartier [English Art Works], Angela Cork of Bishopsland, and Peter Crump of Vipa Designs with Nicky Dewar, Director of Programmes at the Crafts Council chairing the panel discussion.

This marks the first tutor focused event of its kind at New Designers with an additional industry liaison dimension to link education with employment and future career pathways, with potential to expand into other disciplines in future editions.

Also as Part of the Day

In addition, as part of the day, the Goldsmiths Centre will judge their ND Award as part of the tour element of the day's programme and the National Association of Jewellers will launch a new initiative, with more details to follow.

A special thank you has to be given for the support in organising the event to London Assay Office, who is sponsoring the education and industry networking reception as part of the event, which is hugely appreciated.

Sally Bent, Event Director of New Designers, commented: “We’re excited to platform the new one week format for the first time this year. It demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of design today. As graduates enter a challenging job market and AI brings a new dimension to the work landscape, New Designers remain committed to championing students by giving them a platform to present their work to the industry, while connecting visitors with the full breadth of UK design talent.”

Rebecca van Rooijen of Benchpeg said: “We are in the most privileged position of being able to talk to all members of our craft, trade and industry, and our discussions with education colleagues presented a huge opportunity to use Benchpeg’s convening power for good in connecting people – which is what we do best. Bringing educationalists, graduating talent and the craft, trade and industry together to promote connectivity and communication can only strengthen our community.”

If You are an Educator or Trainer

If you are a lecturer, tutor or trainer working in the higher education, further education or training space and would like to attend this event to meet, network and discuss current issues with nationally based colleagues, please get in touch with rebecca@benchpeg.com 

About New Designers

New Designers is an annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent. Since its inception over 40 years ago, New Designers has provided a platform for over 3,000 graduates to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public every year.

This year, the event takes place over one week, with different disciplines showcased spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and sustainability, New Designers is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of design. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a student, or a professional in the industry, there’s something for everyone at New Designers.

www.newdesigners.com