Attire Accessories - May/Jun 2018 (Issue 70)

ATTIRE 11 NEWS & EVENTS ➨ The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is to launch a new business growth programme, which will offer short courses and inspirational talks to the fine jewellery and contemporary silversmithing sector. Led by experts and industry practitioners, the initiative will include business incubation programmes for emerging makers, as well as intensive one-day courses for establishment businesses. Each opportunity is underpinned by exclusive industry analysis commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Company. “Research carried out in 2016 with 248 business in the UK clearly indicates that fine jewellers and contemporary silversmiths are extremely ambitious, but often lack the training to develop their businesses,” says Peter Taylor, Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre. “Our programme will give them access to the right support, which has historically been out of reach of most small businesses.” Visit goldsmiths.co.uk SMALL FIRMS URGED TO PREPARE FOR DATA SHAKE-UP The UK’s small business community is worryingly unprepared for new data protection regulations, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses.The latest FSB analysis found that one third of small companies have not started preparing for the introduction of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while a further third are only in the early stages. Only eight per cent are fully ready for the changes, which take effect on 25 th May, 2018. “The GDPR is the biggest shake-up in data protection to date, and many small businesses will be concerned that the changes will be too much to handle,” says Mike Cherry, FSB national chairman. “It’s clear that a large part of the small business community is still unaware of the steps they need to take to comply and may be left playing catch-up.” FSB also found that 60 per cent of small businesses have reported lower profits due to compliance with data protection, and 31 per cent say they have been forced to stop workforce expansion. On average, companies will spend seven hours per month meeting data protection obligations, which equates to £1,075 per year. “Small businesses do understand the need for, and the benefits of, data protection regulations,” continues Mike. “However, many struggle with the cumulative burden of the regulations and the costs that compliance brings both in time and money.” Visit fsb.org.uk for details. Messe Frankfurt has expanded its international network with the acquisition of Forest Exhibitions Limited, which will become its UK subsidiary. “It is important for our company to promote commercial exchanges at European and global level in our 30 trade fair locations around the world,” explains Wolfgang Marzin, president and chief executive officer at Messe Frankfurt. “The UK is an attractive trade fair and export market for our international customers. Even Shakespeare, one of the most important figures in world literature, was aware of the importance of trade links between the United Kingdom and Germany in his day. He made mention of the Frankfurt mart and the trading activities with his homeland there in his play,The Merchant of Venice. Another important strategic factor for us today is the proximity to our British partners and organisers who are regular visitors to Frankfurt.” In the last financial year, more than 560 exhibitors and approximately 15,300 visitors came from the UK to trade fairs in Frankfurt. Former Event Director at Forest Exhibitions Ltd, Simon Albert, will be Managing Director of the new subsidiary. He succeeds Rob Sherwood, who will continue to represent Messe Frankfurt in international sales with his company, Sherwood Event Services. Visit messefrankfurt.com for information. MESSE FRANKFURT ACQUIRES FOREST EXHIBITIONS GOLDSMITHS’ CENTRE LAUNCHES BUSINESS PROGRAMME