Legislation

EXPORTING: find the path to overseas selling

Creative industries in the UK are thriving, and the opportunities do not stop within our shores. We asked Exporting is Great, the government’s campaign to promote exports from UK businesses, to tell us about a UK jewellery business benefiting from having taken the leap.[divider style=”solid” top=”20″ bottom=”20″] Jewellery designer Katie…

Read More »

NAJ to propose Simon Johnson as chairman

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) says its current vice-chairman and co-owner of retail jeweller Marmalade, Simon Johnson, will be proposed as its new chairman at the next annual general meeting. At the association’s first meeting of 2016 – held on 14 January at the Birmingham Assay Office – current NAJ…

Read More »

Compulsory 30-day refund rules take effect

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 has come into force today which aims to make the law clearer to businesses while offering consumers greater protection. Under the legislation, consumers who buy faulty goods will now be entitled to a full refund for up to 30 days after the purchase. Before the…

Read More »

British Hallmarking Council to recruit four new members

The British Hallmarking Council (BHC) has announced that it is looking to recruit four new members.  Established by the Hallmarking Act 1973, BHC protects consumer interests in the jewellery industry by ensuring that there are adequate facilities for hallmarking in the UK and advising the Secretary of State for the…

Read More »

Jeweller fined for selling illegal big cat claws in jewellery

A vintage jewellery designer popular with Kate Moss has been fined £2,000 after she was caught selling antique big cat claws.  Annina Vogel, who is behind the eponymous jewellery brand, was spotted selling the claws by a customer, who became concerned when she heard a sales representative refer to 14…

Read More »

ADVICE: With freedom comes responsibility, says TH March

Chartered Financial Planner Steve Clemence of TH March gives advice on the new Pensions Freedom Legislation. Buying a Lamborghini with your pension pot may not be a responsible way of spending the money you and your employer have saved into your pension.  With the average pension pot being £38,600, you…

Read More »

Birmingham Assay Office’s ‘Analytical Laboratory’ rebrands

The Birmingham Assay Office (BAO) has rebranded its Analytical Laboratory as AnchorCert Analytical.  The BAO said that the rebrand is due to the scope of its services expanding “enormously”. Originally specialising in precious metals, AnchorCert Analytical continues to analyse precious metals from 999 gold to platinum, but services are expanding…

Read More »

ADVICE: When employees take the festive fun too far

Abigail Halcarz, employment lawyer at leading UK law firm SGH Martineau warns of the pitfalls of allowing festive fun at work to get out of hand. The Christmas adverts are on the telly, lists of ‘must-have’ presents are being compiled and carols will soon accompany shoppers on their travails, but…

Read More »

Increased protection for jewellers as IP Act becomes law

Increased protection will be given to jewellers and designers after a landmark ruling has seen the Intellectual Property Act (IP Act) become law.  The IP Act means that intentional infringement of a registered design is now a crime. The changes set out in the IP Act have been introduced to…

Read More »

BRC responds to Miliband’s proposals on business rates

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today responded to proposals on business rates from the Labour party leader, Ed Miliband.  Miliband has announced a 1% cut in business rates if labour is in power after the 2015 election. The move would involve reversing the inflation-linked increase scheduled for April 2015…

Read More »