Adapting to the changing silver market, and predictions for its future

12
ROUNDUP
High street recovery “cannot be
left to chance,” says bRC
Figures released last month demonstrating the rate of retail closures in different parts of the UK
in 2011 so far demonstrate the importance of protecting and promoting our high streets, the
British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said.
The statistics, released by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Local Data Company, showed that
poor consumer confidence and shrinking disposable incomes are having a negative impact on
non-food retailers and exacerbating long-standing problems in some of Britain’s town centres.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “High streets are at the heart of local
communities and economies, providing jobs and essential services, but some are in trouble.
“The Government’s review of the high street comes at a crucial time, and must result in urgent
action. Practical steps are needed to protect and promote our high streets so they remain
attractive locations where businesses of all kinds can thrive. This cannot be left to chance. A
proactive approach to managing our town centres would benefit customers, communities, retailers
and other businesses. Priorities should include keeping business rates down, deterring crime and
having good, affordable parking and public transport.
“It’s encouraging that not all regions are seeing a fall in retail premises – some have seen a net
gain thanks to new stores opening. The priority must be protecting that growth and helping it
spread to all parts of the country, boosting town centres and creating jobs.”
£3 million collection of timepieces
previewed by Leonard Dews
Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe held a preview evening for a £3 million collection of luxury
timepieces in the Lake District on the 12 July. The collection, which was flown in from Basel in
Switzerland, was hosted by Lancashire jeweller Leonard Dews.
The preview drew potential collectors and
buyers from across the region, and featured a
£106,000 diamond-set Nautilus gents’ watch with
power reserve; a £96,940 Perpetual Calendar
Chronograph watch set with baguette diamonds;
and a new £22,000 ladies’ diamond and steel
Nautilus timepiece.
After previewing the collection, the 60 guests
were treated to a four-course meal at the Miller
Howe’s restaurant, which overlooks Lake
Windermere. In a rare break with protocol,
attendees were able to view the collection in its
entirety; something usually restricted, as collections
valued at more than £3 million are presented in
different lots for security reasons.
Leonard Dews owner Michael Hyman commented:
“There is a strong demand for quality wrist watches in
the region. I’m very excited to have brought this rare
and exciting bounty to the Lake District.”
management restructuring at
brown & Newirth
British commitment ring manufacturer Brown & Newirth has
announced a restructuring of its senior management team.
Sales and business management will be led by newlyappointed
sales director John Ball (pictured) – formerly national
sales manager at CW Sellors and DMJ – while Amber Saunders
and David Heatlie have been appointed as head of marketing
and business development manager covering Scotland,
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, respectively.
“I’m excited by the opportunities that Brown & Newirth offers,”
John commented, “and I’m looking forward to being part of the
new management team that is focusing on re-energising Brown
& Newirth for today’s market.”
Abbeycrest chairman Simon Ashton added: “With John Ball’s
sales expertise and Amber Saunders’ marketing skills, we have a
progressive team that can lead Brown & Newirth into the future.”
Life begins
at 50 for
Home & Gift
Harrogate’s Home & Gift Show
celebrated its 50 th anniversary
in July, with a reported recordbreaking
54 per cent increase in
on-site re-bookings and six per
cent increase in exhibitors.
Nick Coffey, show manager
of Home & Gift 2011, said the
success of the show – which took
place from the 17 to the 20 July
– underlined its significance and
position within the gift market.
“The 50 th edition of Home & Gift
was a particularly important
one and I am delighted with the
positive reaction we have received
from the whole industry,” he
commented. “Next year, we will
be enhancing and expanding
the event, so we’re delighted to
report a record on-site re-book.
This gives us a very strong
platform as we look to build an
even better show.”
Home & Gift marked its
50 th birthday with a series of
special events that included a
‘Sunday Sundowners’ celebration,
held at the historic Majestic
Hotel, with speeches from local
MP Andrew Jones and Mayor
of the Borough of Harrogate
Les Ellington, and an official
birthday party at Harrogate’s
Revolution Bar. Local baker
Betty’s also baked its biggest-ever
birthday cake for the occasion.