PRESS RELEASE: Five Jewellers Turn Business Plans into Action with the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026

The Goldsmiths’ Centre has announced the five recipients of its Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026, awarding £2,000 each to UK-based jewellers Aaron Caldwell, Aaron Whittingham, Heather Coleman, Helena Palmeira and Isabel Distassi. Made possible through funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, the grants enable emerging businesses to make targeted investments in the next stage of their business growth.

The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants are designed to remove barriers to growth, helping sole traders and micro-businesses that have undertaken formal mentoring, consultancy or business diagnostic programmes turn development plans into practical action. From equipment that brings previously outsourced processes in-house to specialist training that expands the scope of a maker’s work, the grants support

investments that can be challenging to make at an early stage, but can have a lasting impact on productivity, profitability and creative potential. Together, the five projects demonstrate how targeted investment can support business development, from strengthening specialist skills and bringing processes in-house to improving routes to market.

Over the coming 12 months, each recipient will use the grant to support a specific area of their business development: Aaron Caldwell of AJC Goldsmith will invest in a refurbished laser welder to bring complex repairs in-house, reducing costs and turnaround times; Heather Coleman will fund specialist tools and training to expand her repair, restoration and engraving services; Helena Palmeira will invest in stone-carving equipment, photography and digital development to strengthen both her practice and its presentation; Isabel Distassi will use the grant for advanced stone-setting and digital rendering training, enabling her to take on more complex bespoke commissions; and Aaron Whittingham will purchase a Durston drawbench and micro-plating unit to expand his in-house repair and restoration services.

Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: “It's a real privilege to support five emerging jewellery businesses during a key stage in their development. Based in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and London, these makers each bring new ideas, ambition and creativity to the industry. Through the Catalyst grant, we're supporting their strategic growth by helping them access specialist tools, equipment and training to develop their business and realise their potential. We're proud to support these talented jewellers to invest in their business, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next."

The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants form part of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across the UK jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries. Up to ten £2,000 grants are available each year, with funding supporting investments including new machinery and tools, product and service development, marketing, specialist knowledge and new ways of working.

To follow their projects in action and apply for the Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/apply-for-grants.

About the Goldsmiths’ Centre
The Goldsmiths' Centre is the UK's national centre of excellence for learning, innovation and enterprise in the jewellery and silversmithing industries. We provide high-quality, skills-based training, supported by our principal funder, the Goldsmiths' Foundation. We open routes into apprenticeships, employment, further education and continued business growth, ensuring our industry’s continued relevance and long-term health.

Home to over 120 craftspeople working in affordable workspace, we bring together designers, makers, manufacturers and craftspeople in an ecosystem built on collaboration, learning and opportunity. Our award-winning building, just a stone's throw from London's historic jewellery quarter, is open to everyone. Through a year-round programme of exhibitions and events, we champion emerging talent, inspire creativity and conversations, revealing the skill behind each piece. We are committed to improving access to careers and training in the industry, enabling all to embrace learning as an essential lifelong practice. Our vision is a thriving jewellery and silversmithing trade, delivered by highly skilled makers, positioning UK as world leaders, so that creativity, craftsmanship and community can thrive.

About the Goldsmiths’ Foundation

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that supports vocational and technical training in the creative industries. The Goldsmiths’ Foundation focuses on advancing creative, technical, and vocational skills, education and training in the craft and trade of goldsmithing, silversmithing and jewellery – as well as the wider creative industries and other fields – through grants, advocacy, and support to charity partners.

About the Business Catalyst (Small) Grant recipients and their projects

Aaron Caldwell, founder of AJC Goldsmith, will purchase a refurbished laser welder for his growing jewellery repair and restoration business. Currently reliant on hiring equipment in Hatton Garden or outsourcing work, Aaron will be able to carry out delicate and complex repairs in-house, reducing costs and turnaround times while increasing capacity. The investment will also help strengthen AJC Goldsmith’s specialism in repair, restoration and heirloom remodelling.

For Heather Coleman, the grant will support a sharper focus on jewellery repair, restoration and remodelling following a Goldsmiths’ Centre Business Diagnostic and Advice session. Funding for a pneumatic graver system, specialist tools and training will enable her to take on grain and star-setting repairs and introduce additional engraving services, while also opening up new possibilities for her own creative work.

Helena Palmeira’s grant will support both the development and presentation of her jewellery practice. Funding will go towards a professional micromotor and specialist stone-carving equipment, alongside new photography, website improvements and digital sales materials. The investment will help her work more efficiently while strengthening how she presents her work to galleries, retailers, collectors and trade buyers.

For Isabel Distassi, the grant will support advanced stone-setting and digital rendering training, alongside specialist tools for her bespoke jewellery practice. The investment will allow her to complete more complex commissions in-house, reduce reliance on outsourcing and use stronger digital visualisation to communicate ideas more clearly with clients and collaborators.

Aaron Whittingham will use a Durston drawbench and micro-plating unit, helping him expand the range of repair and restoration services offered in-house, including rhodium plating.