History Of The Federation
The Federation has a long and distinguished history. Indeed, it can trace its roots back to 1887 when a group of manufacturing jewellers formed the Birmingham Jewellers' and Silversmiths' Association, a forerunner of the present day British Jewellers' Association (BJA).
This small, local grouping rapidly expanded and today there are five trade associations encompassed within the Federation's 'umbrella' (see Federated Associations). A Board of twelve Directors, under the guidance of an annually elected President, manages the Federation working closely with the CEO and her team.
Contemporary Flair And Traditions
There is a long tradition within the UK for the production of luxury goods of the very highest quality and many of the items supplied by members of the Federation are world renowned. Indeed, the classic elegance of British bone china, the prestige of sterling silver and the unrivalled craftsmanship of our traditional saddlery and leathergoods are coveted by discerning buyers from around the world.
What is less widely knowledged is that alongside this treasure trove of classic product, new and exciting designs are emerging using modern materials and technologies to provide the cutting edge, contemporary lifestyle products for the global marketplace. Federation members are at the forefront of this movement and it is our task to support the development of these sectors and to represent the interests of our member firms in both domestic and overseas markets.
Members of the Federation include suppliers and retailers of a diverse and vast range of giftware plus manufacturers and wholesalers of all types of jewellery and silverware, metal finishers and platers, leathergoods, and decorative metal products.
The sizes of these firms ranges from household names such as Portmeirion Potteries and Carrs of Sheffield, Plc's such as Abbeycrest, Ackerman Group, Antler, Carlton International, Cookson Precious Metals, MacDermaid Canning, Samuel Heath and Sons and Shilton, and individual designer crafts people.
Working with Government
All the Associations enjoy close links with government and work with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and with UK Trade and Investment on co-funded projects to provide the research and information their members need.
The introduction of new European legislation, International trade disputes and the plethora of recent rules and regulations governing manufacturing practices, all impact upon members of the Federation. Lobbying both the British and EU parliaments to ensure their members' voice is heard on matters of concern is a key function of the Associations and, where appropriate, of the united Federation.
|
BJGF
