PRESS RELEASE: UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Unite to Call for Urgent Government Action in Small Business Inquiry

The submission represents the collective voice of creative and craft-led industries, which span jewellery, silverware, watches, allied crafts, and associated independent retail sectors – sectors that are overwhelmingly comprised of microbusinesses and family-run firms. The response highlights how systemic challenges are undermining business viability, stifling entrepreneurship, and threatening growth.

Key barriers identified include:

A broken High Street model driven by outdated business rates, rising crime, and poor accessibility.

Limited access to finance for creative and independent businesses, often labelled “high risk” despite strong commercial potential.

Complex export systems that favour large firms and overlook the needs of smaller specialist exporters.

Cumulative cost pressures from tax, compliance and the withdrawal of tax-free shopping for international visitors.

Leadership and skills gaps as small firms navigate succession without adequate training or support.

Structural disadvantages that deter new entrepreneurs, particularly women, neurodiverse individuals, and underrepresented groups.

A clear call to action

The UKJSAC submission outlines practical recommendations to unlock the full potential of the UK’s small creative businesses, including:

Urgent reform of the business rates system to reflect the realities of small, creative and workshop-based enterprises.

Tailored financial products and better outreach to support microbusiness growth.

Pro-High Street policies such as parking incentives, improved safety, and support for shopfront improvements.

Inclusion in international trade policy with better access to export finance, trade shows, and embassies.

Investment in leadership and skills development to ensure long-term capability and succession.

New maternity, paternity, and entrepreneurship support for the self-employed.

Recognition of the sector’s contribution in economic measurement and policymaking.

Ben Massey, NAJ Chief Executive and Secretariat for UKJSAC, commented,

“Recognition that the industry is made up, in the main, of small and microbusinesses is too often overlooked. Yet the challenges we’ve outlined aren’t isolated to jewellers or silversmiths – they affect every small business operating in this ecosystem, from designer-makers and repairers to retailers and exporters.

“This coordinated response brings together the strength of our sector by working with colleagues across fashion, textiles, footwear, luxury, and the broader creative industries. Together, we are calling for policies that understand our operating models, value our contribution to the economy, and remove the roadblocks to our growth.”

The submission also urges greater investment in education and career promotion to ensure long-term pipeline sustainability, including a stronger role for creative subjects in schools, increased access to part-time learning, and the establishment of manufacturing hubs of excellence.

As the Government considers its future strategy for small businesses, UKJSAC calls on Ministers to work closely with the sector and ensure small firms – not just big players – are properly represented in policymaking, export support, and investment planning.

About the UKJSAC

The UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) Roundtable Group is comprised of organisations, institutions and individuals from the jewellery, silverware, watch and allied crafts industries. These include, the National Association of Jewellers, Goldsmiths’ Company, Company of Master Jewellers, Houlden, Birmingham City School of Jewellery, Institute of Professional Goldsmiths, London Diamond Bourse, British Hallmarking Council, Natural Diamond Council, British Allied Trades Federation, Institute of Registered Valuers, The Hand Engravers Association, British Watch & Clock Makers and Gem-A as well as a variety of trade professionals from across the industry.