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Category: Trade Organisations

Created on Wednesday, 11 January 2012 14:03

Written by Naida Ally

Birmingham Assay Office, which can trace its roots back to 1773, is preparing to embark on one of the busiest periods of development in the organisation's history.

The largest assay office in the world is moving forward with its plans to relocate from Newhall Street, to a new home within the St George's development in the Jewellery Quarter in 2013.

Emma Rogers, finance director at the Birmingham Assay Office, said 2012 promises to be a landmark year.

"The development of our new home is an exciting stage in the Assay Office's history and the continued regeneration of the Jewellery Quarter. Not only is the Birmingham Assay Office one of the city's oldest institutions, it is also the largest assay office in the world – so moving away from our home of 135 years will be a key moment in our history. The transition will enable the Assay Office to remain in the Jewellery Quarter, supporting the jewellery trade, while at the same time ensure its continued commercial viability.

"We'll continue to be busy striking the special Queen's Diamond Jubilee commemorative mark on a range of products made in Birmingham until October, and with 2012 also being a leap year we are expecting to see a rise in the popularity of 'mengagement' rings, so we'll have plenty to do before the move!" Emma added.

Pictured – front left to right - Emma Rogers, Sally Hoban (both from Birmingham Assay Office) and Nicola Baron (Chantrey Vellacott DFK)

Back left to right - Paul Fenner (Chantrey Vellacott DFK), Martyn Pugh (Birmingham Assay Office), Michael Allchin (Birmingham Assay Office Chief Executive and Assay Master)