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IJL launches new jewellery entrepreneurship award

International Jewellery London (IJL) has announced the launch of a new industry award designed to identify entrepreneurs in the jewellery industry.

The Jewellery Entrepreneur of the Year Award will recognise an individual who has demonstrated entrepreneurial flair in developing a business with the potential to grow into a profitable addition to the UK jewellery industry.

Entrants will be invited to pitch their ideas ‘Dragon Den’s’ style to a panel of well-known industry figures in the Lion’s Lair at IJL 2014, which will be chaired by entrepreneur John Ayton.

There are no restrictions on applications, which can include the development or exploitation of a specific product, design, service, new technology or simply an innovative idea supported by a business plan

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The winner of the award will receive a stand and promotional package worth up to £7,000 at IJL 2015, and will also receive mentoring for a period of twelve months by an appropriate figure in the industry.

Sam Willoughby, event director for IJL, said: “The UK jewellery industry is one of the most exciting and creative jewellery markets in the world, excelling in innovation.

“We are always looking at ways of supporting and promoting the industry and when we came up with this idea, it struck us that this is a fantastic way of recognising and rewarding those clever entrepreneurs who we know are out there but perhaps in need of additional support.

“I am not alone in thinking it is an initiative with considerable promise and am delighted that some really authoritative industry leaders have joined the judging panel.”

The judging panel includes:

  • John Ayton MBE – chairman of the Bremont Watch Company and Annoushka, co-founder and former owner of Links of London
  • Stuart Laing – CEO of the Houlden Group and Laing’s of Glasgow
  • Andrew Morton – managing director, Domino Jewellery
  • Peter Taylor – director, Goldsmiths Centre
  • Lee Lucas – principal of the Holts Academy of Jewellery
  • Sam Willoughby – event director IJL

Entrants should apply online at www.jewellerylondon.com/entrepreneur by Friday the 30th May.

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