The Annual General Meeting of the BJA was held at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London at 2.30pm on May 20th 2013 and additionally the BJA also held their first Members Day. The Members Day gave members and Industry individuals who work closely with the BJA the opportunity to discuss topics covered by the Association during 2012/2013. Marie Brennan (Business Relations Manager) and Penny Parkes (Marketing Manager) both attended the event on behalf of The Birmingham Assay Office and found it very interesting and informative.

Business Relations Manager for The Birmingham Assay Office Marie Brennan (in white) with L-R: Nick Kaseler, John Holt, Andrew Hinds, Helen O' Neil

In keeping with the Association’s push to embrace education and training opportunities, Peter Taylor Director of The Goldsmiths Centre spoke about developments at the National Skills Academy and BJA Vice Chairman Jason Holt spoke about the opportunities Modern Apprentices are bringing to the Jewellery Industry. [caption id="attachment_5229" align="aligncenter" width="448"] L-R: Marie Brennan (The Birmingham Assay office) with Greg Fattorini and Gay Penfold[/caption] Gordon Hamme explained the new BJA Mentoring for Members Project which has had lots of interest via its informative website www.bjamentoring.org.uk. Designer Jessica Flinn highlighted the benefits of the BJA Designer/Craft Membership for a small up and coming company. Additionally the work of the UK delegation, made up of individuals from many trade organisations including the BJA, to the international body CIBJO, was presented by John Henn the representative for the NAG. Oliver Sutton of Birmingham manufacturer Charles Green also gave a personal comment on our industry in memory of his father Richard Sutton. Finally BJA Chairman Gary Williams reported on the event packed 125th Anniversary year and CEO Simon Rainer oversaw the AGM formalities.

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