Leslie cass

James Hadley takes over former Leslie Cass store

Jewellery wholesalers and importers James Hadley Fine Diamonds has opened a Sheffield store, housed in the former Leslie Cass premises. The business sells Citizen, Rotary, and Bering and offers repair and valuation services.

The opening marks the first retail presence for the family-run business, owned by the Coward family. The business took over the store which became vacant after Leslie Cass went into administration earlier this year.

It secured the space with advice and aid from the Company of Master Jewellers and others, taking on about 50% of Leslie Cass’ former staff members.

The Coward family have several decades of experience in the jewellery business, importing, manufacturing and supplying to the retail trade nationwide. Its first retail venture is being headed up by the son and daughter of the Coward family, James and Hannah Coward.

The business’ managing director Roger Coward said James and Hannah "are well established in the industry" and that the Sheffield store opening is something the family is very excited about.

James Hadley Fine Jewellery has retained Leslie Cass’ former store manager, Simon Scott. He said of the opening: "As a business that only opened its doors six weeks ago we are in an optimistic frame of mind for the future, and want to keep introducing new brands, or even open a standalone branded store, which will complement our diamond collection.

"As an alternative to our stock items, we are now in a position to offer bespoke jewellery that is made to a very high standard."

Scott added that he wished to impress on the the Coward family the importance of the CMJ "not just from a financial angle, but the benefits of networking, and the support CMJ can offer".

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