The IJL has announced the launch of its eleventh annual IJL KickStart competition.
Applications for the competition, which is open to UK-based jewellery designers, have now launched online, and contestants are now asked to pitch for a place on the mentorship programme.
Ten designers will win the competition, and then benefit from extended industry mentoring, branding and marketing advice, “invaluable” introductions, industry-wide publicity and the opportunity to showcase their collections on the KickStart stand at IJL 2020.
In addition, winners will also receive a bursary from The Benevolent Society to assist with London accommodation and transport costs, in return for submitting a post-show report on how the scheme has “enriched their careers”.
They will also be able to join The National Association of Jewellers with a waivered joining fee.
Andy Ventris, IJL show director, said: “Our KickStart programme is a very special launch pad for talented, ambitious jewellery designers.
“Just as IJL, the show at the heart of the global jewellery industry, evolves year on year to meet the industry’s needs, these KickStarters will have the chance to similarly excel on their own IJL journey.”
NAJ jewellery industry promotions ambassador, Lindsey Straughton, said: “The KickStart programme has been revitalised this year with, in particular, additional mentoring.
“In the current economic environment, a scheme such as KickStart plays an increasingly vital role in helping talented up and coming designers make their mark within the industry.”
She added: “It opens so many doors and provides unique access to IJL’s trade-only audience across the jewellery sector who come to the show to discover the talent of the future.”