Jewellery Focus JFOC July 2017 digital | Page 14

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AWARDS

Anja Potze wins ‘ Heart of Gold ’ award

Worcester-based jeweller Anja Potze has been awarded with the ‘ Heart of Gold ’ title by the Small Awards in association with Facebook .

The Small Awards , which launched this year , recognise the achievements of small businesses in the UK that contribute most to their community . The ‘ Heart of Gold ’ accolade acknowledges small businesses in the jewellery industry who work with other small businesses , local charities , schools , councils or local residents for the greater good .

Potze was presented with her award by Sue Perkins at a London ceremony on 25 May .

She said : “ I ’ m absolutely thrilled and grateful to my team who support me in all my work . It ’ s been a brilliant evening .”

Potze is a sponsor of the Worcester Valkyries rugby club and regularly participates in Worcestershire Ambassadors and Young Entrepreneurs . She also supports The Haven , Worcester Hospital ’ s breast cancer unit and regularly holds and supports fund-raising events for it .

The strategic alliance with TIMEX brings SilMach a century-old expertise in watchmaking

and complementary know-how essential

to create PowerMEMS solutions tailored for the watch industry

Patrice Minotti , SilMach CEO

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“ We wanted to stand together and show our solidarity for this great city ”

That is what Emma Taafe of Twinface said , regarding the brand ’ s release of a ‘ work bee ’ pendant to commemorate those who died in the Manchester bombing .

AWARDS

Olivia Burton wins top industry award

Watch designer Olivia Burton has been named as Ones to Watch at the Fast Track 100 Awards .

The Fast Track 100 Awards , in conjunction with Virgin and The Sunday Times , publishes league tables of the UK ’ s top private companies with the fastest sales and growth . The Ones to Watch category features companies whose sales growth falls short of the league table , but are set to grow rapidly .

In 2016 , Olivia Burton launched in 27 countries and increased sales by 154 % to £ 9.2m . It is currently stocked in Harvey Nichols , Nordstrom and Selfridges .

The brand was founded in 2012 by Jemma Fennings and Lesa Bennett .

Fennings said : “ It ’ s been an amazing five years and we ’ re so chuffed to have this recognition , both for us and our team who are truly dedicated and passionate about the brand .”

Bennett added : “ Fast Track has given us the opportunity to chat with some amazing people , some of which we have admired since a young age . Sitting next to Sir Branson at dinner and bouncing around ideas is something I ’ d never imagined I ’ d be doing . Just goes to show that anything is possible .”

ETHICS

Vitae London launches new ethical watches

Watch brand Vitae London has released a new range of ethical watches .

Season IV is the latest iteration from the brand that started with the backing of £ 20,000 from Richard Branson ’ s Virgin Startup initiative .

The firm has promised that a portion of each sale will go towards providing a child in Southern Africa with two sets of school uniform , a bag , and footwear to see them through a year of education .

The Season IV collection has been adapted from the brand ’ s limited edition Walmer Midnight line .

The new range of the matte black watches have gold , rose gold and silver highlights and Swiss movement . The watches are water resistant and have scratch-resistant sapphire glass faces . Will Adoasi , founder , said : “ Each Season marks a new era for us . It ’ s the way we ’ ve always done it - the natural evolution of the brand .

NEWS ANALYSIS

After a couple of months of tragedy , the country is dusting itself off and settling down with the long awaited confirmation of a new minority government .

Within the jewellery industry , it seems to be business as usual as brands continue to launch new collections and open up shops in preparation for the warmer months .

With De Beers ’ proposal to invest in startups , it is inevitable that the jewellery industry will continue to remain resilient and go from strength to strength .

END : THAT ’ S ALL . YOU ARE NOW UP TO DATE

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July 2017 | jewelleryfocus . co . uk