Friday, 18th June 2004 (4287 views)

The continuing decline in the manufacturing sector has increased the role of the jewellery market, according to the president of the British Jewellery and Giftware Association.

Geoffrey Oakley, speaking at the Association's annual meeting, said: "With our member companies employing close to 50,000 people, the Federation has a vital part to play in contributing to the economic health of our country".

He added that the estimated 126,000 jobs lost each year in British manufacturing meant the Federation role must be even stronger in future years, according to ic Birmingham.

The UK gift and home industry is worth around £10 billon per year, with the UK jewellery supply chain servicing the second largest jewellery market in Europe and valued at £3 billion.

The trade federation, which represents a wide range of industry organisations, is to be renamed the British Jewellery, Giftware & Finishing Federation in order to reflect the growing role of the surface-finishing sector.

 

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