Birmingham Assay office elects five new guardians

The Birmingham Assay office has announced the election of five new guardians of the standard of wrought plate.

The raft of appointments include Simon Dawe, sales director of TH March, Kevin Saunders a regulatory and criminal barrister, David-Louis Hendley of Artfull Expression, alongside Russell Jeans CEO of Sefton Consulting and Alison Neate, Partner of Smith Partnership Solicitors.

The role was created by an Act of Parliament in 1773 and was formed to control and protect the Birmingham Assay Office.  

The office revealed that there are 36 elected ‘guardians of the standard of wrought plate in Birmingham’, of whom not more than nine or less than six may be connected with the jewellery trade.

Dawe said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed as a Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office.  I look forward to working with this historic and fantastic organisation and help to contribute to its continued success in the future.”

Doug Henry, Assay Master and CEO added: “We are always looking to recruit talented Guardians who will bring with them key skills, experience, knowledge, commitment and professional standing to promote and protect the office, thereby contributing to the continued success and growth of our five diverse business divisions.”