The Autumn Meeting of Houlden, a buying group for jewellery and watch retailers, was in Windsor this year on the very day that the Queen’s death was announced.
The sad news certainly affected the mood of the conference and exhibition, but retailers and brands continued with the event, which saw record levels of business across the two days.
Houlden members were also introduced to improvements to Houlden Advantage, which aims to improve business networking, knowledge, training, and support.
It includes a reward scheme for employees and the return of face-to-face training with a flagship course in Antwerp.
“Attracting a record attendance from Members and Suppliers alike, the meeting provided a platform to both inspire and highlight the value of being part of this proactive Membership, demonstrating the collective power of coming together to share ideas and strategies and find solutions to help navigate the present challenges facing all businesses in the UK,” a spokesperson for Houlden says.
Chris Ellis, managing director of Dipples in Norwich, which was attending the buying group meeting for the first time as a Houlden member, said he was impressed with how much value he got from the experience.
“The event was an eye opener for me as my first Houlden meeting as a Member. Gathering at both Members Morning and the Private Principals Meeting proved to me that although we are independent jewellers across the country, we share similar problems and issues, but also successes. We each have something that we can bring to the table and that really helps,” he describes.
Houlden member Melanie Wakefield of Wakefields Jewellers in Horsham adds: “Being able to sit together and talk about the future, the economy, and the financial climate when you are all in the same boat together, facing the same issues, is so worthwhile. The membership is incredibly open, honest, and really transparent about their businesses. You pick up some great tips that you would not necessarily get in any other networking scenario.”
Fifty-five jewellery and watch brands took part in the exhibition, including Shaun Leane, Clark Diamonds, Matt Aminoff, Bremont Watches and Diamond by Appointment.
Helen Haddow, CEO of Houlden, says she received positive feedback from everyone who attended. “It is very encouraging that the meeting also provided the catalyst for achieving record breaking business. And to be together with colleagues and friends when the news of the death of the Queen was announced, helped provide solace for us all to reflect and share our thoughts and memories,” she adds.
