News of Houlden's Record-Breaking Year-End Results Marks the End of a Highly Successful Autumn Meeting

05 Oct 2023

Taking place once again at the popular location in Windsor on September 19 and 20, The Houlden Autumn Meeting, entitled Connection, emphasised the importance of change through empowerment – highlighting the latest key trends and the launch of new initiatives designed to provide invaluable cutting-edge information and training systems.  

Regarded as an unqualified success by both Members and Suppliers, the meeting ended on a further positive note, with Houlden reporting that record sales had been achieved in the year-end to February 2023. Representing a 16% increase over figures reported for the previous year-end, the results also show a 52% increase on pre-pandemic figures. As a not-for-profit organisation, all surplus is returned to the membership – and, in this case, the rebates in 2023 are three times higher than those paid out before the pandemic.

The meeting, designed to provide insightful talks and stimulate the sharing of strategies and knowledge, together with a specially curated Suppliers Exhibition, reflected all the advantages of being part of this proactive membership organisation and the vital support provided by the unique Houlden Advantage - the scheme designed to provide Members with invaluable connections, knowledge, training, and support through the added value services.

Highlights included keynote speaker Rachael Taylor, jewellery editor, author, and brand and trends consultant, who provided a thought-provoking overview of global jewellery trends in the high-end fine jewellery and luxury retail sectors. Rachael gave examples of brands embracing AI, such as Cartier and the key looks and innovations revealed at the haute joaillerie launches in Paris this summer, together with examples of how new materials, technologies, gemstone trends and the influence of Gen Z are impacting design and sales at the premium end of the market.

Houlden Member Lucinda Andrews, from Weir & Sons, said,

“The trends talk was very insightful. It was great to see some of the exciting things jewellers are now doing. The piercing trend is here to stay, it would seem. Although not all of it would suit our businesses, it demonstrated the engaging and theatrical way that retailers are now interacting with their customers by introducing things like permanent jewellery. I found it all very interesting.”

This was followed by a lively interactive Panel Discussion with the British School of Watchmaking and Serena Gough, Head of Service at Laings Jewellers, outlining the crucial role the institution plays within the watch and retail sector. The panel stressed the need for further financial support from the industry to help fast-track facilities to not only meet the increasing shortage of new watchmakers but also provide Members with much-needed expertise to proactively enhance their after-sales customer care service.

One of the key elements of the Houlden Advantage is the Jewellers of Excellence Academy by Houlden. Helen Haddow, CEO of Houlden, announced at the meeting the launch of the newly upgraded platform, stating,

“The Academy is full of fresh dedicated content and functions to ensure it meets the needs of our industry both now and in the future. The impressive new facility, representing the culmination of months of research, gives Members access to especially tailored training courses, designed to cover every facet of their business in the ever-evolving luxury retail sector.

"It is all part of providing our Members of premium independent luxury retailers with exclusive resources and opportunities to help increase their own success and profitability, whilst inspiring change and supplying a much-valued forum in which to share ideas and strategies for future growth.”

Once again, the Suppliers Exhibition took centre stage at the meeting, providing a rich showcase of premium new collections and flagship pieces from over 50 brands and designers – ranging from long-established companies such as Domino Jewellery, Gecko Jewellery, Bloch Fine Jewellery and Mark Milton to exciting companies such as Diamond by Appointment and Dialog offering innovative approaches and concepts.

Adding further interest and diversity were several Guest Suppliers and newcomers – all of whom reported having a very successful event.

As Carol Sinfield, Sales Director of Wedds & Co, states,

“As a first-time exhibitor, the show provided us with the perfect launch pad for our new luxury brand, Zedd. We greatly appreciated the interest and feedback from Members, all of which will help us grow and drive the success of the business.”

Further confirmed by Daniel Harer, Sales Manager of Gellner, who comments,

“The growth in pearls and pearl jewellery has been very rewarding over the last few years, especially in the male sector where we have seen increasing interest, particularly in statement pieces. It’s a real pleasure to exhibit at the show as all the Members are very open to new ideas and trends and always on the look-out for that extra special piece."

Casey Donne, Marketing & Production Manager of Flat Frog Films, adds,

“As specialists in jewellery photography, the show has been a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our expertise to Members. Our focus is to build long-term quality business with the top luxury jewellery retailers across the country and to have them all together at one event is very special.”

With Fei Liu concluding,

“The Houlden show is very special as every company has something different to offer, so there is no duplication of Suppliers - making it very different from every other exhibition. There is ample time to renew old and forge new relationships, as well as for Members to provide considered and helpful feedback.”

A key focus of the Houlden meeting was on Networking with the introduction of a new Sparkle Hour themed on Bubbles and Business, held in the afternoon of the first day during the exhibition, together with the Houlden Networking Dinner for both Members and Suppliers in the evening. Providing adding momentum to proceedings in the evening, Houlden presented their Awards of Excellence to the Supplier who, in the view of Members, had excelled in each of three categories. The three awards were won by: Ntinga as most Passionate Supplier, Clark Diamonds as most Principled Supplier and Diamond by Appointment as most Progressive Supplier.

Peter Chamberlain, Director of Diamond by Appointment, comments,

"Houlden is a must-attend show for us as all the Members really appreciate our approach to working collaboratively for mutual benefit. If they succeed, we succeed! Expanding regionally in partnership with Members has proven to be a successful strategy for our business, leveraging local expertise and relationships for sustainable growth. We were delighted to receive the Houlden award for the most Progressive Supplier at the event."

Summarising the success of the meeting, Gill Layton-Hill of Member Sarah Layton stated,

“We had a great event, so a huge thank you to all the team at Houlden for the hard work they put in to make it so efficient and worthwhile.”

The dates for the next Houlden meeting in Spring 2024 were announced for the 5th and 6th of March.

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Source: Houlden