Deadline: Friday 30th May 2014 The UK jewellery industry is one of the most exciting and creative jewellery markets in the world, excelling in innovation, craftsmanship and design.

A first for the industry, this initiative will reward an individual who has demonstrated entrepreneurial flair in developing a business with the potential to grow into a profitable and exciting addition to the UK jewellery industry. Entrants will be invited to pitch their ideas 'Dragon Den's' style, to an impressive panel of key industry players in the Lion’s Lair at IJL 2014, which will be chaired by star entrepreneur, John Ayton. There are no restrictions on applications which may involve the development or exploitation of a specific product, design, service new technology or simply an innovative idea supported by a business plan demonstrating its potential to become a significant force in the industry. Jewellers are no strangers to the popular TV programme Dragons Den with both Elisabeth Galton and Hot Pink finding success on the show. Meet some of the Lions … The judging panel includes familiar names from retailing, design and academia – who between them represent the widest knowledge and experience across the industry and are uniquely qualified to select a winner:

• John Ayton MBE – Chairman of the Bremont Watch Company and Annoushka, Co-Founder and former owner of Links of London
• Stuart Laing – CEO of the Houlden Group and Laing’s of Glasgow
• Melanie Wakefield – Director, Wakefields of Horsham
• John Ball – Director, Brown & Newirth
• Andrew Morton – Managing Director, Domino Jewellery
• Peter Taylor – Director, Goldsmiths Centre
• Lee Lucas - Principal of The Holts Academy of Jewellery
• Kathryn Bishop - Editor of Professional Jeweller Magazine
• Sam Willoughby - Event Director IJL

The Prize The winner of the award will receive a stand and promotional package worth up to £7000 at IJL 2015; this will help them in furthering their business and ensuring that it becomes a leading light in the jewellery industry. They will also be mentored by an appropriate figure in the industry. How to Apply To be considered for this award, entrants need to apply online by Friday 30th May 2014. A shortlist of four entrepreneurs will be selected and invited to pitch to the Lions Lair, in the Inspiration Seminar Theatre at IJL on Tuesday the 2nd September. They will each have ten minutes each to present their idea /business to the panel of judges and will then answer the judges questions. There will also be a live audience who can vote, but the judges’ decision will be final and announced live at the end of the Lion’s Lair. To apply online or download an entry form, please follow the link below; http://www.jewellerylondon.com/entrepreneur

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