As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a remarkable year for The Company of Master Jewellers. As the largest buying group for independent retail jewellers in the UK and Ireland, we have continued to strengthen our position as a pivotal force in the jewellery industry. Here are just a few highlights from our year.
Staff Strengthened
Towards the end of 2023 and 2024 we significantly strengthened the head office team. This has allowed us to better serve our members throughout the year, start up new initiatives and support members more effectively. In late 2023 we welcomed Patrick Turner (Director of Membership Development), Sequoia Horton (Membership Manager) and Kristina Russell (Events Co-ordinator). Each brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Patrick Turner brings strategic insight to membership growth and development. Sequoia Horton is dedicated to strengthening supplier relationships and ensuring their ongoing success, while Kristina Russell is focused on creating memorable events that foster networking and collaboration among our members.
In March 2024 Beth Mustard joined the team as Marketing and Communications Executive to strengthen the marketing department working alongside Head of Marketing Fran Hopes, bringing expertise in SEO marketing and digital media knowledge.
And in November 2024 we welcomed Shabaan Khan, Apprentice Accounting Assistant, to the team to strengthen the accounts department and to develop his skills further in the industry.
Find out more about our head office team on our meet the team page.
Building the Membership
Throughout 2024, we have welcomed both new retailers and suppliers to the membership. By hosting exclusive events and offering unparalleled business support, we have successfully attracted new members who value the supportive community and growth opportunities we provide.
Suppliers that have joined us this year:
- BJB Ltd
- Clarity Jewellery
- CR Gems
- codebyEdge
- ENAMEL Copenhagen
- Freeform Fabrication
- Gisser Amsterdam
- Heera Moti
- Lightspeed
- Little Star Jewellery
- Lustre & Love
- Matt Aminoff
- Michael O’Dwyer
- Sunshine Exim
- Tish Lyon
Retailers that have joined us this year:
- Adams Jewellers
- Fallers Jewellers
- Walter Bourke & Son
- R J Barber & Sons
Find our full membership on our website.
If you are interested in becoming a retailer member and making the most of our benefits without losing any of your independence, contact us
Sponsorships and Partnerships
Throughout 2024, we have engaged in key sponsorships and partnerships that reflect our commitment to supporting the independent jewellery industry.
We proudly sponsored the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards, further demonstrating our commitment to the jewellery industry. As a key sponsor, we had the honour of hosting a table and invited some of our esteemed retailer members. This sponsorship not only highlighted our dedication to recognising excellence within the industry but also provided members with unique networking opportunities to enhance their business growth and industry presence. In September we were also a supporting partner of the Professional Jeweller Awards 2024.
In July we partnered with Independents’ Day UK, an annual campaign to promote small, independent retail businesses. We are always looking for new ways to support, promote and celebrate the unique benefits of shopping with independent retailers and this partnership armed our members with a host of free marketing support and exposure to connect with their customers and shout about what makes them great.
We are all aware of the rising threat of criminal activity in the jewellery industry. This summer we became the first affiliated sponsor of SaferGems, which provides an invaluable service by collating attacks, incidents and intelligence in relation to jewellery crime around the UK.
Supplier Conference Success
In June 2024, we held our very first Supplier Conference, inviting all our approved suppliers to a business update and open forum discussion in the morning followed by an afternoon of adventure activities.
“It was a fantastic day all round, with a very useful and informative presentation and Q&A session,” said Lee Campbell of HS Walsh.
The Success of our Autumn Trade Event
This year’s Autumn Trade Event was hailed a huge success by all who attended, with record-breaking attendance figures across the two days and busy exhibition halls from the moment they opened on day one until the very end of day two.
Following the introduction of our new CMJ Pay initiative for this event, retailer attendance was at record post-pandemic numbers, nearly 30% higher than in previous years. CMJ Pay sees our full, share-holding retail members receive an allocation of credit based on their turnover through the group, which is only available to spend with approved suppliers at the show.
“There was a great atmosphere and the show was very well organised by the CMJ. New members felt welcomed, and the networking was very good,” said Tony Wehrly, Director of Wehrly Bros.
Suppliers across the board also praised the introduction of the early booking incentives to ensure strong retailer attendance, with many exhibitors offering their own exclusive show-only deals to secure orders. The Saturday evening before the show opened saw 250 members come together at its informal network evening, while the main Sunday evening dinner saw its largest ever attendance, driven by the overall increased number of retailer members at the show.
“The buzz in the room encouraged buying and there was a great atmosphere,” said Diamnet’s Howard Levine.
CMJ Academy Launch
In December 2024 we launched the CMJ Academy, a free online training resource exclusively for our retailer members. The programme provides a comprehensive, interactive introductory-level set of courses specifically aimed at new retail staff. It features eight modules, including hallmarking, precious metals, jewellery, rings, watches, diamonds, gemstones and sales techniques, with an online assessment at the end of each stage. On completion of the course and the final assessment, the member of staff will receive a CMJ Academy certificate.
“I found the course to be very helpful and great for building the foundation of knowledge needed for the industry. I like how there were many different modules such as watches, as I wouldn’t come across that too often however it’s useful to know for when it does,” said Beth Woolaston from Jeremy France Jewellers.
CMJ retailer members can access the training programme by logging into the members site and heading to the Academy section.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to 2025, we anticipate a busy exciting year ahead – Spring and Autumn Trade Events, another Supplier Conference and brand-new events tailored to meeting the needs of different segments of our membership. Stay tuned for more other exciting developments in the new year!
