Getting Started

An introduction to Business for Jewellers & Silversmiths
At Goldsmiths' Hall

THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY'S annual graduate course Getting Started, which introduces jewellery and silversmithing graduates to business and employment opportunities within the industry, took place at Goldsmiths' Hall in January this year.

Now in its 19th year this highly popular week-long course was attended by 40 aspiring jewellers and silversmiths, all recent graduates from colleges across the UK.

Peter Taylor, Director Technology and Training, the Goldsmiths' Company said: “The 2006 Getting Started course proved to be one of the most successful yet and provoked extremely positive feedback from the delegates, including a thank you card to the department signed by all 40 of them! As a group they proved to be extremely professional and the work they brought for exhibition was of an exceptionally high standard.

Among the speakers at Getting Started 2006 Judy Head advised on press and marketing, Nigel Bates, Director of the Artifex Gallery gave pointers as to how to sell to galleries followed by Mary La Trobe-Bateman, a consultant curator who suggested guidelines on selling from the buyer's perspective. Advice was also given on planning a business from Sheila Ritchie, Managing Director of Elm Training while Michael Hoare, Chief Executive, National Association of Goldsmiths discussed opportunities in retail and Patrick Fuller, Vice Chairman Weston Beamor suggested a variety of openings and channels available in manufacture. Lorna Watson, design consultant, described life as a commercial designer and Jane Adam and Martyn Pugh both recounted their experiences of the ups and downs of working and making a living as respective self-employed jeweller and silversmith. A new speaker this year was Isobel Dennis, Event director at New Designers who gave an informative talk entitled the Exhibitor's checklist, all about the dos and don'ts of exhibiting at trade Fairs and giving helpful insider knowledge.

On the practical side Jason Holt, Director R Holt & Co gave advice on sourcing gems and precious stones while Jerry Arkinstall Managing Director of Argex Limited advised how to source precious metals. An interesting panel discussion – the panel comprising Peter Taylor, Lorna Watson, Sarah Hutchison, Martyn Pugh, Patrick Fuller and Stephen Bottomley – argued the pros and cons of employment versus self-employment. Peter Taylor also gave an enlightening talk on the various sources of funding available to fledgling businesses and self-employed designer-makers.

For the finishing touches, John Fortescue of Hanover Fox Recruitment gave tips on how to prepare a winning CV and selling oneself to a prospective employer and Sheila Ritchie told them in no uncertain terms how to be assertive and how to get what and where you want!

On the final morning of the week long course jewellery historian and journalist Vivienne Becker gave a fascinating illustrated talk on the jewellery world today, its trends, themes and inspirations.

The week had begun with an inspirational talk by Jewellery Designer of the Year winner 2005, Shaun Leane and ended with an equally entertaining and thought-provoking presentation by jeweller to the stars, Stephen Webster.

The graduates of the Getting Started Course 2006 then departed inspired and much the wiser as a result of they had heard and experienced during their week at Goldsmiths' Hall.

The dates for Getting Started 2007 are yet to be confirmed. However they will be shortly. Anyone interested should contact the Technology & Training Department, Goldsmiths' Company tel: 020 7606 7010 or email heather.ferguson@thegoldsmiths.co.uk or look for details on www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/supportforthecraft.

Emma Turpin

Taking part in the ‘Getting Started' course, has inspired me even

further to take my work into the retail industry. We were introduced to a great deal of people in our profession, and from other varied industries. I am currently developing new designs and hope to sell my work at craft fairs and in galleries around the country.

emma_turpin8@hotmail.com

Jennifer Saker

‘Getting Started' was an eye opening experience, it was really refreshing to hear that there's never one clear path to follow in order to achieve your dreams.

Everyone was so helpful in offering us advice and opportunities.

The week showed me that jewellery is my passion and my career. Which ever way it takes me, I know that the support is there.

j.saker@jennifersaker.com

 

Richard Stone - Maker

‘The course was eye opening, introducing myself to the commercial and manufacturing sides of industry, an area that is hard to understand without firsthand experience.It has given me many ideas for evolving my work alongside casual work, pushing on the development of my career.

I now hope to go on to open up a metal workshop with two colleagues from my degree course, dealing in large-scale work as well as smaller scale productions. I hope to also continue working alongside a local stonemason learning vital business and additional craft skills.'

e-mail: richard_stone_maker@hotmail.co.uk

Mob: 07789323662

Fleur Kerry

‘The piece featured above is an interchangeable condiment set comprising of three shakers made of sterling silver, perspex, rubber connecting pieces and titanium. The shakers are a fun centre piece for a table that can be adapted to the users needs as the components which it balances on can be removed and replaced with another material of choice. The circular components rock gently so to amuse the viewer and make it something to talk about. This design won a precious metal bursary from the Goldsmiths Company last February.'

Mobile: 07789956677

Email: fleurkerry@yahoo.co.uk

Kimberley Selwood

‘The Getting Started Course was invaluable; an enjoyable and hardworking week.I learnt so much in many different aspects,I feel more confident and informed about what to do; and now feel very positive about starting my own business. I made many useful contacts as well as good friends.'

Tel: 07879690112

Hayley Jane Start

“You learn so much in such a short space of time. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is unsure of the direction they want to take. I now know I want to experience both sides of the field before making the big decision of setting up on my own.”

hayleyjane_start@hotmail.co.uk

Shona Marsh

‘The Getting Started Course was a jammed packed week of practical advice and meeting other jewellers and silversmiths. Mixing tips on setting up business with inspirational talkers has left me full of motivation and an eagerness to get on! Since the course I have pushed forward the set up of my own workshop and have started to apply the knowledge gained to my business. I will be exhibiting in New York at The Contemporary Craft Fair at Bovey Tracey this June.