Economy
The economy has a direct influence on the UK jewellery trade, affecting consumer spending, material costs, and business confidence across the sector. For jewellers, manufacturers, and suppliers, staying informed on economic trends is vital to planning and resilience. Jewellery Focus provides expert coverage of economic developments impacting the trade, including inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence, and supply chain challenges. Our reporting helps jewellery professionals understand the wider market forces shaping their business environment.
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Sep- 2025 -5 SeptemberCurrent Affairs
Government launches consultation on reforming UK design sector
The government has launched a wide-ranging consultation on reforming the UK’s design protection system, with proposals aimed at modernising rules, reducing abuse and supporting digital innovation. The consultation, opened by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), will run until 27 November 2025. It seeks views from across the sector, which contributes…
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Aug- 2025 -14 AugustEconomy
UK quarterly GDP beats expectations despite slowdown
UK GDP grew 0.3% in the three months to June, behind the 0.7% it grew in the first quarter, as a result of US tariffs and higher business costs, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, it is better than expected growth as economists polled by…
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7 AugustRetailers
UKJSAC welcomes gov business plan but calls for further support
The UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) Roundtable Group has welcomed the government’s new Backing Your Business plan, while urging further measures to support creative and craft-led microbusinesses. The plan, aimed at strengthening the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) landscape, includes reforms to licensing, permanent business rate reductions for…
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Jul- 2025 -10 JulyInternational
Demand for gold across the UK increases 50% in the last 12 months
Demand for gold across the UK has increased 50% between July 2024 and June 2025, according to data from Gold Bank London. This latest insight direct from Gold Bank London takes into account the retailer’s sales from across the country, which includes both online and in-store transactions. Consumers continue to…
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Jun- 2025 -23 JuneTrade Organisations
NAJ joins Creative UK to champion jewellery industry
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has joined Creative UK in a bid to raise the profile of jewellery, silverware and allied trades within the creative industries. The move comes after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) recognised the jewellery sector’s contribution to the UK creative economy last…
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13 JuneNews
Warm weather fails to boost footfall in May
Retail footfall across the UK declined by 1.7% compared with May 2024, spelling a sharp drop from the 7.2% rise recorded in April, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic Solutions. The downturn affected most retail locations, with High Streets down 2.5% year-on-year, and…
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5 JuneEconomy
Consumer confidence hasn’t recovered since Brexit vote, Barclays finds
Consumer confidence reached its highest point in the past 10 years in September 2016, at 48%, just after the Brexit referendum, according to Barclays’ “10 Years of Spend” report. Barclays has been tracking consumer confidence monthly since 2015 and also surveyed 2000 people in the UK for the report, which…
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Apr- 2025 -15 AprilRetailers
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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Feb- 2025 -20 FebruaryEconomy
UK consumer confidence drops to new low in February
UK consumer confidence slipped to a new low of -37 in February, amid the worsening state of the economy. According to the latest BRC-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor, the economy worsened for the fifth consecutive month, down from -34 in January. The BRC reported that even Gen Z, despite being the…
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4 FebruaryManufacturers
De Beers and Botswana secure rough diamond sales agreement
The Government of the Republic of Botswana (GRB) and De Beers Group have agreed a deal establishing a new sales agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production. Alongside this, the deal has extended Debswana’s mining licences in the country beyond 2029. This development is in alignment with the heads of terms…
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