UKJSAC advises on government’s Industrial Strategy Consultation

The UK Jewellery, Silverware, and Allied Crafts (UKJSAC) Roundtable has shared its insights with the Department for Business and Trade as part of the government’s consultation on its Industrial Strategy Green Paper, unveiled in September.

This submission highlighted the jewellery sector’s vital role in driving both economic growth and social impact. By engaging in the Invest 2035 consultation, the roundtable emphasized how the industry can contribute to the UK’s creative economy on local and national levels.

The government’s Green Paper recognises precious metals and gemstones as “key growth sectors” within the creative industries. 

The jewellery sector alone supports over 58,000 jobs, contributing £9.44bn annually to the economy. Manufacturing revenues are expected to grow from £583m in 2024 to over £650m by 2029.

Key takeaways from the UKJSAC submission included:

• Building Skills for the Future: Tackling the skills shortage is a top priority. Initiatives like the Craft T-Level pathway and the Goldsmiths’ Institute at Aston University illustrate how public and private investments can create education opportunities and boost local social mobility. These models could be replicated across the UK.

• Driving Innovation and Growth: The industry’s adoption of advanced manufacturing, AI, and digital tools is strengthening its global competitiveness. The submission calls for enhanced investment opportunities and streamlined training support, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Advocating for Smarter Regulation: Recommendations include addressing post-Brexit trade challenges, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring fair play for British artisans in digital marketplaces, safeguarding both creators and consumers.

Ben Massey, chief executive of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), said: “Our collective response to Invest 2035 presents a unified voice for the UK jewellery, silverware, and allied crafts sectors. 

“While traditional growth metrics are promising, it’s equally important to highlight the industry’s cultural, heritage, and social contributions. We addressed critical areas such as overcoming skills gaps, improving international IP protections, and ensuring that investment pathways support businesses as they scale.”