UK Government
The UK Government plays a pivotal role in shaping the jewellery sector through regulation, trade policy, tax frameworks, and industry support initiatives. From import/export tariffs and hallmarking standards to sustainability legislation and business grants, government decisions directly affect retailers, designers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Jewellery Focus offers upโtoโdate, tradeโfocused coverage of relevant policymaking, including consultation outcomes, regulatory reforms, funding schemes, Brexitโrelated trade developments, and guidance on compliance. Our reporting equips industry professionals with the insights needed to anticipate legal changes, manage cost and supplyโchain risk, and take advantage of government support within the UK jewellery ecosystem.
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Sep- 2020 -10 SeptemberCurrent Affairs
Government launches new โbounce backโ plan for retailers
A new series of measures has been announced by the UK Government to support businesses in the consumer and retail industries during the Covid-19 pandemic.ย The plans, announced by Minister for exports Graham Stuart, will offer immediate support to businesses by ensuring specialists provide advice on online retail and international…
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Jul- 2020 -29 JulyRetailers
Usdaw urges public to support shopworkers
Retail trade union Usdaw is urging shoppers to follow the law and help to protect shopworkers and other customers by wearing a face covering, while following existing social distancing and hygiene procedures.ย The union said shopworkers are โnot responsibleโ for enforcing the law, and abuse should not be part of…
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Jun- 2020 -30 JuneCurrent Affairs
Government confirms changes to โflexibleโ furlough scheme
The UK government has confirmed the latest set of changes to its โflexibleโ furlough scheme – dubbed CJRS V2 – ahead of its launch of the 1 July. HM Revenue and Customs has set out the new guidance as the current version of the Coronavirus Job retention Scheme (CJRS) ends…
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17 JuneAdvice
11 ways to encourage the high street to remain Covid-secureย
This week marks a big shift for the retail sector as many non-essential stores in England reopen their doors to the public. Boris Johnson has announced that as of the 15th June, non-essential stores can reopen in England, providing stringent health and safety guidelines are set in place to protect…
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11 JuneRetailers
Majority of SMEs believe UK is headed for deep recession post-pandemic
Almost seven in 10 (69%) small business owners believe the UK is heading for a deep recession following the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, according to new research from FreeAgent. In addition, almost three quarters (73%) believe many small businesses will struggle to make enough money to survive and two…
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9 JuneEvents
Reed Exhibitions cancels IJL 2020ย
The organiser for International Jewellery London (IJL), Reed Exhibitions, has announced that the September event has been cancelled.ย ย The trade show was initially scheduled to take place at Alexandra Palace, London, between 13 September and 15 September 2020, but will no longer go ahead due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.…
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5 JuneRetailers
Bira welcomes business rates revaluation postponement in Wales
The British Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the decision by the Welsh government to delay the revaluation of business rates.ย The announcement follows a similar ruling made in England on 6 May, which resulted in the government scrapping a bill to reevaluate business rates in 2021. The decision to postpone…
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May- 2020 -22 MayCoronavirus
BAJ opens applications for September 2020
The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced that applications are now open for courses due to start in September 2020.ย BAJ offers a variety of exciting programmes providing world-class training in all aspects of jewellery design and manufacturing.ย The Jewellery Fundamentals SQA Level 3 Diploma allows students to build…
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Apr- 2020 -20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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1 AprilCoronavirus
A fifth of SMEs at risk of collapse, say experts
Almost a fifth of SMEs will not survive the coronavirus crisis, according to new findings from the Corporate Finance Network.ย The group predicted that the closures would take place within the next four weeks despite government support measures, as the pandemic continues to unfold and affect retail. The network, which…
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