Like every business owner that reads WatchPro and Professional Jeweller, we have to plan a path back to normality that assumes Covid-19 cases will drop to very low levels by the end of summer.
Of course we cannot be certain, but scientists forecast the number of deaths per day in the UK to drop into single figures by the end of August.
The annual Professional Jeweller Awards were scheduled to take place in September but, while it looks highly likely transmission of the virus will have dropped to almost zero, uncertainty over social distancing measures mean we would not choose to bring hundreds of people together.
Instead, there will be a combined Professional Jeweller & WatchPro Awards Dinner where leaders of watch brands, jewellery brands and retailers across both sectors can come together as one on November 3.
Since we announce the events would be coming together in November, sponsors have lined up to show their support.
Curteis, a family run leader in precious jewellery firm founded in 1975 is a major supplier to leading jewellery retailers, wholesalers and the gift sector, and has confirmed it will sponsor the Independent Jeweller of the Year Award.
Watch winder specialist WOLF will be on stage to present the Independent Watch Retailer of the Year Award.
French watchmaker Michel Herbelin is throwing its support behind the Multiple Watch Retailer of the Year category.
Mondaine, the iconic manufacturer of watches based on the famous station clocks of the Swiss railway, has once again chosen to sponsor the Department Store of the Year Award.
Shop fitting and visual merchandising giant Redd Retail Group is presenting the Marketing and Merchandising Team of the Year Award for a fifth year in a row.
The tone of the evening will reflect our times and there will be a number of awards for leadership teams and individuals that have gone beyond the call of duty to support their colleagues through this difficult year and those that have raised money and awareness for causes during the Coronavirus lock down.
Part of this will involve telling the story of unsung heroes from across the industry that have made outstanding contributions to their colleagues and communities.
Details of the Awards categories and how to nominate will be shared through Professionaljeweller.com and WatchPro.com in the coming weeks.
Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities can be discussed with the Professional Jeweller and WatchPro teams Daniel Malins and Anne-Marie Judge.
The Professional Jeweller & WatchPro Awards take place on November 3 at 8 Northumberland, a spectacular Victorian Ballroom just yards from Trafalgar Square in London.
We look forward to welcoming you then.
