Retail Jewellers Congress 2025: Innovations and Trends

A major congress to shape the future of jewellery

« Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. » – Steve Jobs. This congress perfectly embodies this philosophy by offering jewellers the tools and strategies to stand out in a constantly evolving market.

The jewellery sector is constantly changing, facing challenges such as digitalisation, shifting consumer behaviour, and the need to innovate to remain competitive. In this context, the Retail Jewellers Congress 2025, organised by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), presents a unique opportunity for professionals to gather, network, and learn about current and future market trends.

A flagship event for retail jewellers

Since its inception, the Retail Jewellers Congress has established itself as a major event for independent jewellery retailers. It offers a platform for exchange where professionals can share their experiences, discuss common challenges, and discover innovative solutions to enhance their businesses. The 2025 edition, scheduled for June 2nd and 3rd, promises to be rich in content and opportunities for participants.

Central theme: innovating to stand out

The theme chosen for this edition, « Innovating to Stand Out », reflects the need for jewellers to rethink their strategies in order to adapt to a changing commercial landscape. With the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer expectations, it is essential for jewellery retailers to differentiate themselves by offering unique and personalized experiences.

Inspiring speakers and sessions

The congress will welcome a series of renowned speakers who will share their knowledge and perspectives on various aspects of the jewellery trade. Here is an overview of the scheduled sessions:

Attracting local customers in the digital age

Nick Brackenbury, co-founder and CEO of NearSt, will explore how jewellers can attract local customers by effectively integrating online and offline channels. He will highlight practical strategies to increase local visibility and boost in-store traffic, drawing on concrete examples such as the approach adopted by Boodles.

Leadership in times of uncertainty

Jude Jennison, founder of Leaders by Nature, will address the leadership skills necessary to navigate periods of change and uncertainty. Her session will focus on managing stress and emotions within teams, providing tools to maintain cohesion and performance in evolving environments.

Innovation and problem-solving

Nikolas Venios from The Ideas Agency will lead an interactive session on innovative problem-solving techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to explore creative methods to tackle business challenges, thereby fostering innovation within their businesses.

Identifying leadership blind spots

Jonathan Ratcliff, sales growth consultant, will present an in-depth analysis of often-overlooked aspects of business leadership. His presentation will highlight common pitfalls and propose solutions to improve managerial effectiveness and organizational growth.

Tax optimization for jewellers

Nick Latimer, tax specialist, will discuss essential tax considerations for jewellers, particularly regarding business succession or the use of available tax reliefs. This session will provide valuable information for effective financial planning in compliance with current regulations.

Interactive sessions and sharing of experiences

In addition to the conferences, the congress will feature interactive sessions promoting the sharing of experiences among participants. These workshops will allow jewellers to discuss best practices, address specific challenges, and co-create solutions tailored to their respective contexts.

Networking opportunities

The Retail Jewellers Congress also offers numerous networking opportunities. Participants will be able to forge valuable connections with peers, suppliers, and industry experts, paving the way for potential collaborations and the expansion of their professional network.

Practical information

The event will be held at the Park Regis Hotel Birmingham, located at 160 Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1DT, United Kingdom. This modern hotel offers first-class facilities for conferences and professional events.

Participants are encouraged to book their places in advance, with preferential rates available for members of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and for group bookings.

Also join the event for a pre-congress networking dinner on Monday, June 2nd, 2025. As a bonus, enjoy a free afternoon ticket to access the attractions at Drayton Manor theme park, including the opportunity to relive your favorite rides and discover the new thrill attraction, the Disk’O Coaster.

The following morning, registration will open from 9 AM, before Michael Donaldson, facilitator of the Jewellers’ Business Network (JBN), launches his 11th and final congress at 9:30 AM, marking his retirement this summer.

For more information and to register, visit the official NAJ website: https://www.naj.co.uk/