Mark Smith from North Ayrshire Council receiving Touchstone Award from Christopher J. Jewitt[/caption] The Touchstone Awards applications submitted from across the UK this year were of an extremely high calibre. They demonstrated careful long term pre-operational planning, and robust implementation strategies. The operations are being followed up by appropriate enforcement action, criminal prosecution where appropriate, and good business practice advice. The applications also indicated polic…

 JQ BID executive team: (l-r) Luke Crane, Mike Mounfield, Claire J. Smith and Phil Burlace Mike will oversee the direction of the JQDT. The part-time role will allow him to have a special oversight of planning and regeneration development in the area. As a resident and business owner of The Wisdom Factory CIC, based in the Jewellery Business Centre, Mike has a strong connection with the Quarter. He is also project manager for the Colmore BID, which will help to strengthen links between th…

  This month Anu Manchanda explains the expertise required to check for common treatments in tanzanite and rubies. Anu Manchanda picks up the tanzanite in her tweezers and holds it under her diamond light. At first sight a non-gemmologist would think it a good quality stone – a deep indigo blue with strong colour intensity; but to Anu’s experienced eye as a gemmologist it just does not look quite right. Anu moves it slowly under the light, examining it carefully with …

Marketing Director Marion Wilson pictured at the event[/caption] Marion also attended the Awards Dinner which was held  in the Skyline Restaurant at the Brighton Centre.  The evening began with a drinks reception followed by a very scrumptious three course dinner! The Birmingham Assay Office were delighted to sponsor this years UK Consumer Challange Quiz. The competition tests pupils on their knowledge of shopping rights and responsibilities, perso…