London Jewellery Week

Coutts, the prestigous bank, is offering a unique opportunity to 20 up-and-coming jewellers with the introduction of the Coutts New Jewellers Awards, organised by the City Fringe Partnership. Created to support new talent in jewellery design and craft – industries that are particularly vulnerable in the current economic climate. Winners will be able to draw on the bank's wealth of expertise by taking part in the Coutts Business Development Forum, receiving advice on how to remain resilient during these testing times.

Winners will be shown how to sustain and grow their business, through inspiring lectures by industry experts across a broad range of fields including brand development, business planning, funding, marketing and PR. All specialists in their chosen fields, speakers will be drawn from both within and outside the jewellery industry to ensure that the winners receive relevant tips on how to maximise their presence in the marketplace. A lunch will also be hosted by leading jeweller Stephen Webster.

Open to any business that is less than 4 years old and based in London, the Coutts New Jewellers Awards will also provide winners with complimentary bronze level participation in Coutts London Jewellery Week, which runs from the 8-14 June 2009. This will provide an online presence on the event's website, a listing in the Guide circulated throughout the capital and benefit from international media promotion thereby significantly raising their profile.

Entries will be judged according to the creativity of their planned event for Coutts London Jewellery Week, the company's current profile and its portfolio of design. All applications for the Coutts New Jewellers Awards must be received by Friday 9th January 2009, with the panel announcing winners by Friday 16th January.

Announcing the launch of the Coutts New Jewellers Awards, Sarah Deaves, Chief Executive Coutts & Co., commented that, "We have extensive experience of working with some of the UK's leading entrepreneurs and are delighted to pass on this knowledge to help support the next generation of entrepreneurs in the jewellery industry. With this in mind, we are pleased to introduce the Coutts Business Development Forum which will be held in March."

Sarah Purvis, Deputy Director of the City Fringe Partnership, added: "We are delighted to be able to offer support to new jewellers to the industry and thank Coutts & Co for their tremendous insight into the needs of small businesses during this challenging economic time. With much planned for the Week, it promises to be a tremendously exciting time for London's jewellery industry".