Houlden conducts ‘record-breaking’ business at Autumn meeting
Business conducted over the two days of the event surpassed that recorded at the Spring meeting in March and also beat those achieved in September 2021 on a like-for-like basis
Houlden, a consortium of jewellers, has announced that “record-breaking” business has been achieved at its latest meeting, while the announcement of major new initiatives was a key highlight of the event.
The Houlden Autumn Meeting took place in Windsor on September 8 and 9 when Houlden members were “united in sadness following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen”.
Business conducted over the two days of the event surpassed that recorded at the Spring meeting in March and also beat those achieved in September 2021 on a like-for-like basis.
During the meeting, new initiatives were announced as part of the Houlden Advantage, a scheme designed to provide members with “invaluable” connections, knowledge, training, and support through the provision of added value services.
Aimed at helping members during the current tough economic climate, the projects included a new reward scheme for employees and the return of face-to-face training with a flagship course in Antwerp.
Attracting a record attendance from both members and suppliers, Houlden said 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”.
Keynote speaker Graeme Leach, chief economist of Macronomics Consulting, gave an overview of the present and likely future economy and its impact on the luxury goods and jewellery sectors, at the same time bringing to light commercial opportunities to help members develop strategies and focusses for future success.
This was followed by the announcement of Houlden’s new Employee Reward Scheme. This resource offers employees financial benefits to help counteract the rising cost of living, as well as discounts with numerous major well-known providers of groceries, homeware, fuel, welfare and health, and the management of finances, to mention but a few.
The Suppliers Exhibition of fifty-five premium brands also took place at the event, providing an exclusive buying opportunity over the two days. Preferred suppliers such as Shaun Leane, Clark Diamonds, Matt Aminoff, Bremont Watches and Diamond by Appointment, showcased alongside newcomers which included L J West Diamonds, Garmin, Marshall Packaging and Annamaria Cammilli.
Helen Haddow, CEO of Houlden, said: “We have received excellent positive feedback from everyone who attended the event, and 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.
“The Houlden Advantage has come into its own during all the recent challenges of the pandemic and now the economy and rising cost of living. Its value I believe will grow in the coming months, providing vital connectivity and the sharing of insights, with the ability to tap individually and collectively into the inherent unrivalled experience of our Members – thirty of the leading jewellers in the UK and Ireland, including our newest member, Dipples.”
She added: “As a group, we are focussed on creating peer-to-peer networks, with a view to cascading all the benefits of the Houlden Advantage down through Members teams, whether it be in marketing or aftersales. It is at times like this that working together brings success through sharing solutions, providing inspiration, and motivating change.”
