Jewellery Focus April 2018 | Page 8

MONTH IN REVIEW www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk 1 2 ACCOLADES BUSINESS EXPANSION Beaverbrooks the jewellers has risen up 15 places to number 11 in ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018’ and is the highest ranked retailer. The Goldsmiths’ Centre has launched a ‘Business Growth Programme’, designed to offer business skills, short courses and talks tailored to the fine jewellery and the contemporary silversmithing sectors. Led by experts and industry practitioners, this programme aims to provide entrepreneurs with the tools to craft their business skills and implement beneficial changes in their practice. All courses on the programme are backed up by industry research, commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Company, which provides unique insights into consumer behaviour in the UK. Charles Benoliel, production director of Design, Build, Cast, said: “I’ve been trained throughout my career and also at university as a goldsmith and designer. But, when it came to running this company there were lots of things that I didn’t know. “The ‘Business Growth Programme’ helped me with the financial side and all the other things that I don’t actually get access to in my day-to- day working. It gives you access to the people who can advise you the right way to do things.” Peter Taylor, director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: “Research carried out by the Goldsmiths’ Centre in 2016 with 248 businesses based in the UK clearly indicates that fine jewellers and contemporary silversmiths are extremely ambitious, but often lack the training to develop their businesses.” He added: “We are now able to offer wide spanning intensive courses and one-off workshops, as part of our ‘Business Growth Programme’ for fine jewellers and contemporary silversmiths, that will give them access to the right support, which has historically been out of reach of most small businesses.” Beaverbrooks named one of best companies to work for in 2018 The family owned company, which is celebrating its 100th birthday next year, has featured in the prestigious list for 15 consecutive years and has consistently been awarded a ‘Three Star Extraordinary’ place to work. With a network of over 926 employees, Beaverbrooks is the largest company to feature in the ‘Top 20’ of the mid-size list. All employees were asked to anonymously complete an engagement survey and Beaverbrooks received their highest ever response rate at 89%. Mark Adlestone, chairman of Beaverbrooks, said: “We are very proud to be recognised for the 15th year as one of the most sought after companies to work for in the UK. This year’s ranking is our highest position since 2010 and so this year’s result is especially pleasing.” Anna Blackburn, Beaverbrooks’ managing director, added: “Our people are the lifeblood of our business and so we’re immensely proud of this achievement. “The result is even more meaningful when you consider that 89% of our people have completed the survey (average Best Companies is 68%); this employee feedback is so important to us as it will help make Beaverbrooks an even better place to work.” 8 JEWELLERY FOCUS The Goldsmiths’ Centre launches business growth programme 3 4 5 6 7 8 JEWELLERY BRANDS Vanacci extends fragrance infused jewellery line Jewellery brand Vanaaci has announced that it is to extend its range of fragrance infused products. Established in 2014, Vanacci creates unique pendants, bracelets, wallets, cufflinks and watches at their headquarters in Leeds, Yorkshire. The firm launched the new products on 28 February 2018. The Nightfall range has been designed to feature phases of the moon and incorporates Vanacci’s patented Lockstone material; an advanced technology that allows the wearer to spray their favourite scent onto the product, which is then diffused throughout the day. The life of cologne is extended by up to seven times with just one spray on a Vanacci bracelet, compared to wearing perfume directly on the skin. At the heart of Vanacci’s products rests a micro-porous structure and an internal reservoir, capable of absorbing and retaining moisture. The range will now include an essential oil pendant, with increased surface area for maximum hold of every fragrance and a brand new composite stone suitable for oil based scents. Headed-up by managing director, James Whitfield, Vanacci consists of a team of designers, engineers and fashion professionals with more than 20-years’ experience in the design industry. Following the success of the initial launch of the Nightfall collection , we’re delighted to have extended the product line to offer the essential oil pendants. James Whitfield, managing director, Vanacci April 2018 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk