PRESS RELEASE: The NAJ's Retail Congress a Hit with Attendees

The annual Retail Congress has been a longstanding and popular event for independent jewellery retailers to gather, network and hear from esteemed speakers on topics and challenges reported by the NAJ's independent jewellery retailer network – the JET Business Network (JBN).

This year's one-day event explored "Lessons from the Best in Class". It featured award-winning business owners from both within and outside the jewellery industry, helping retail jewellers not just survive '25 but, importantly, thrive.

The Speakers

What it Takes to be Voted the Best in Town

Jaysal Pattni, Director at Minar Jewellers, shared how consistent excellence and local recognition could elevate SMEs. Drawing on multiple award wins, he highlighted how accolades like Best Business built credibility and customer trust.

Inspiring Your People

Harriet France, Managing Director of Jeremy France Jewellers, discussed leading a 24-strong team and the power of a motivated workforce. With over 20 years of experience in the trade and multiple sales awards, she showed how investing in people drove results.

Delivering Winning Marketing Campaigns

Peter Wong, owner of Wongs Jewellers, shared how strategic, award-winning marketing campaigns had grown his family business. He offered practical tips from campaigns that earned titles such as Marketing Maestro 2024 and Merseyside Business of the Year.

Creating Today's Top Sales Performers

Debbie Barrow, Managing Director of Virada Training, explained what made top jewellery salespeople stand out. With training delivered to over 150 jewellers and 400 retailers worldwide, she shared proven methods for boosting sales performance.

Differentiating Your Business with ESG Engagement

Charlie Betts of The Betts Group explored how ethical practices and ESG strategies could enhance brand value and profitability. As co-founder of SMO Gold and creator of AgAIN Silver, he offered practical ways to avoid greenwashing and lead responsibly.

Uncertainty's Gift: Using Uncertainty as Your Competitive Advantage

Psychologist Sarah Gregg revealed how to harness uncertainty as a powerful tool for growth. Drawing on evidence-based strategies and her bestselling books, she helped individuals and organisations rethink their relationship with the unknown.

There's No Such Thing as Can't!

Sonja Leason shared how to face adversity, turn fear into action, and grow against the odds. From homelessness at 16 to bestselling author and entrepreneur, she proved that anything could be figured out with the right mindset.

Thank you, Michael Donaldson

This year marked JBN Facilitator Michael Donaldson's final Congress as he embarks on a well-earned retirement. Michael has led the JBN community for the past 11 years, helping grow the group and support its retail members.

The new JBN Facilitator, Steve Ennis, was on hand to meet JBN members and get a flavour of the Retail Congress as he takes up the post next month.

Ben Massey, NAJ chief executive, shared,

"This year's Retail Congress was a fantastic gathering of ideas and expertise, dealing with crucial issues from staffing and training to marketing and mindset. Attendees were inspired by the excellent speakers and other participants in the room, and they will undoubtedly implement many of the ideas discussed at Congress into their own businesses.

"Finally, I thank Michael for going above and beyond to support our members and elevate the JBN group. He has laid the foundations for the network to flourish for years to come."

About the NAJ

We are the leading voice for the UK Jewellery industry, shaping the way for our 1500 member companies employing 24,000 people. We protect, promote and prepare our members to make them Fit for the Future. The Association was formed in 2015 through the unification of the British Jewellers' Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG). The Institute of Registered Valuers is also part of the NAJ family, comprised of around 100 professional valuers with formal qualifications and substantial experience. Every NAJ member is required to abide by the NAJ's Code of Conduct - based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. 

www.naj.co.uk