The UK Jewellery, Silverware, and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) Roundtable has shared findings and insights with the Department for Business and Trade.
As part of efforts to highlight the jewellery sector’s role in driving economic growth and social impact, the roundtable submitted key takeaways from the group.
Ben Massey, chief executive of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), said: “Our collective response to Invest 2035 presents a unified voice for the UK jewellery, silverware, and allied crafts sectors.
“While traditional growth metrics are promising, it’s equally important to highlight the industry’s cultural, heritage, and social contributions.
“We addressed critical areas such as overcoming skills gaps, improving international IP protections, and ensuring that investment pathways support businesses as they scale.”
The government’s Green Paper, unveiled in September, recognised precious metals and gemstones as key growth sectors within the country’s creative industries.
According to the NAJ, the jewellery sector alone supports over 58,000 jobs, contributing £9.44 billion annually to the economy.
Manufacturing revenues are expected to grow significantly in the coming years, from £583m in 2024 to an estimated £650m in 2029.
The key takeaways from the UKJSAC Submission were as follows:
Building Skills for the Future: Tackling the skills shortage is a top priority. Initiatives like the Craft T-Level pathway and the Goldsmiths’ Institute at Aston University illustrate how public and private investments can create education opportunities and boost local social mobility. These models could be replicated across the UK.
Driving Innovation and Growth: The industry’s adoption of advanced manufacturing, AI, and digital tools is strengthening its global competitiveness. The submission calls for enhanced investment opportunities and streamlined training support, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Advocating for Smarter Regulation: Recommendations include addressing post-Brexit trade challenges, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring fair play for British artisans in digital marketplaces, safeguarding both creators and consumers.
