Innovative Ventures
UK Jewellery Businesses embark on Innovative Ventures with the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Large) Grants
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The Goldsmiths’ Centre has announced the recipients of its Business Catalyst (Large) Grants, which are designed to support entrepreneurial jewellers, silversmiths, and allied industry practitioners across the UK.
Jewellers Hannah Bedford, Ellis Mhairi Cameron and Shola Branson have each been awarded grants of up to £7,000.
The grants are funded through modern philanthropic giving by members of the Goldsmiths’ Company to the 1327 Fund.
The Goldsmiths’ Centre in the City of London has announced the two recipients and commended recipient of its Business Catalyst (Large) Grants, which are designed to support the business development of entrepreneurial jewellers, silversmiths, and allied industry practitioners across the UK.
Funded through modern philanthropic giving by members of the Goldsmiths’ Company, these grants provide invaluable support to designers and makers, empowering them to invest in knowledge, expand their businesses, and pursue new avenues for growth and innovation. Recipients have the flexibility to utilise the funds over twelve months to adopt new skills and processes, create innovative services, diversify portfolios, or explore new markets.
Ellis Mhairi Cameron (Large Grant) plans to incorporate hand and pneumatic engraving into her sculptural fine jewellery, refining her techniques with support from Sam James Engraving at the Goldsmiths' Centre.
Hannah Bedford (Large Grant), renowned for her mastery of granulation in contemporary fine jewellery, seeks to invest in her team and bring technical expertise in-house by undergoing intensive 'granulation setting' training with Marcel Salloum, coupled with strategic equipment investment.
Shola Branson (Commendation Grant) aims to elevate his London-based business by specialising in customisable engagement rings, utilising the grant to prototype designs and launch a marketing campaign.
The winning proposals were judged by jeweller Flora Bhattachary; Chair of Trade Advisory Sub-Committee and Trustee of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Gaynor Andrews; and Head of Professional Training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Chris Oliver. They each demonstrated a strong commitment to business growth, whether through increased sales, productivity, profitability, or the potential to create new employment opportunities and improve business processes.
Flora Bhattachary explained:
"It was a huge pleasure to be on the selection panel for this year’s Business Catalyst (Large) Grants. The panel were really interested in every application and we able to consider each one with real rigour. The standard of applications was incredibly high, and I’d like to personally congratulate this year's recipients”.
Learn more about the Business Catalyst (Large) Grants: www.goldsmiths-centre.org
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