The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Expands UK Industry Reach With New Champions Initiative

27 Mar 2026

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) announces a new initiative, GC&DC Champions, welcoming five industry figures from jewellery, silversmithing and education to expand the reach of the GC&DC, its Awards and related activities.

The GC&DC Champions will use their standing in the UK jewellery and metalwork industries to promote the Council and encourage regional activities, presence, and entries to the GC&DC Awards.

The Champions are Andrew Howard, Gay Penfold, Rebecca Howarth, Dr. Sofie Boons, and Victoria Coleman.

Based across the UK – from Bristol to Birmingham, Sheffield to Skipton – these five individuals are long-standing supporters of the GC&DC. They will be a voice and presence on behalf of the GC&DC in their local regions and within their respective industry communities – for example, connecting with regional jewellery and silversmithing educational institutions, or representing the Council at trade events, talks, and exhibitions. 

John Ball, chairman of the GC&DC, said,

“The GC&DC Champions hold a new, external role that supports and expands the Council’s reach, while helping to promote our annual Awards. Our Champions are dedicated supporters who will leverage their professional networks and regional influence to raise awareness and encourage new entrants to participate.

“We’re thrilled to welcome and support Andrew, Gay, Rebecca, Sofie and Victoria, and look forward to the Champions joining us for various events and initiatives in the coming 12 months.”

The GC&DC Champions will act as representatives of the GC&DC to raise awareness and encourage new entries and sponsors for the Awards. They will also help to amplify news from the Council through their respective social media channels and networks.

Meet the Champions

Andrew Howard: Andrew is a senior lecturer on the Jewellery and Silversmithing - Design for Industry (DFI) course at Birmingham School of Jewellery. With strong links to the industry, he uses these to his students’ advantage, from organising group visits to allow students to see behind the scenes in large companies to sign-posting them to the best setters, finishers, and casters.

He says,

“I was drawn to the GC&DC Champion role because of the opportunity to encourage wider participation and support new entrants. I’m motivated to help build confidence and make entry feel more accessible. I’m looking forward to building on this in an official capacity; further strengthening engagement, encouraging participation, and helping foster a supportive, collaborative environment where achievement is recognised and celebrated.”

Gay Penfold: Gay is the chair of the British Jewellery and Giftware Benevolent Society and the former manager of the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre at Birmingham City University. She was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) at the GC&DC Awards in 2025.

Gay says,

“I am absolutely thrilled to be a GC&DC champion, and hugely looking forward to it! GC&DC has featured throughout my career as a beacon of excellence that those in our jewellery and silversmithing community can aspire to and be acknowledged and supported by. The expert and peer endorsement individuals receive at the annual awards is aspirational, and the kudos, PR and promotion it provides for our industry is phenomenal.”

Rebecca Howarth: Rebecca is the managing director of Harriet Kelsall Jewellery. She trained at Sheffield Hallam and is known for designing and making the university’s ceremonial mace. Today, she is responsible for driving the company strategy at Harriet Kelsall, and champions the use of Fairtrade metals. Rebecca is also a board member on the National Association of Jewellers Education Committee.

She says,

“Becoming a champion for the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council means a great deal to me, having seen how the awards can contribute to shaping careers. I’m passionate about creative design and helping our industry continue to evolve while honouring its rich traditions, and I look forward to encouraging others to enter with confidence.”

Dr. Sofie Boons: Sofie is a self-proclaimed ‘alchemical jeweller’ whose research and creative practice crosses the disciplinary boundaries of science, craft, and design. Sofie has worked as the Head of Academy at the British Academy of Jewellery, and host of the BAJ Podcast. She is currently a senior lecturer in Design Crafts at the University of the West of England, where she is also programme leader for the MA Designer/Maker.

Sofie says,

“I am excited to take on the role of GC&DC Champion because I believe in the transformative power of craft to inspire, challenge and reimagine our ever-evolving relationship with making and objects. The Council and its Awards are a vital force in celebrating excellence while opening a space for new ideas. I hope to help shine a light on the opportunity so that even more voices and visions feel encouraged to take part, be represented and fuel positive progress.”

Victoria Coleman: Victoria is an award-winning goldsmith based in Skipton. She launched her own business in London in 2009, following studies at Kent College of Art and Glasgow School of Art. After several years honing her craft in Hatton Garden and beyond, she relocated to North Yorkshire to become a bespoke jewellery maker, recently expanding her Skipton storefront to provide space for consultations, on-site production, and training for young talent.

Victoria says,

“The GC&DC has been central to my journey as a maker, shaping my career. I am honoured to contribute to an organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the diverse skills and techniques within our craft, while giving back to a community that has supported and inspired me.”

View The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council

Source: GC&DC