Attire Accessories - Mar/Apr 2018 (Issue 69)

ATTIRE 11 NEWS & EVENTS ➨ Heimerle + Meule Group acquires WB The Creative Jewellery Group, including Gecko Jewellery WBThe Creative Jewellery Group has been acquired by the Heimerle + Meule Group, one of Europe’s largest precious metal suppliers. According to an open letter by Managing Director Andrew J Morton, the acquisition will allow WBThe Creative Jewellery Group to continue as an independent entity, with the major benefit being the support that the Heimerle + Meule Group will provide. Andrew says, “Retention of independence was a key consideration for previous owners Vivian and Patrick Fuller, whilst considering the best possible options for the future growth of WBThe Creative Jewellery Group. Following more than 40 years dedicated and inspired leadership and development, I am sure you will join me in wishing them the very best as they retire from full-time jewellery manufacturing and management.” The acquisition includes all companies within WBThe Creative Jewellery Group including Weston Beamor, Domino, and Gecko. Andrew continued, “I will continue to lead the WB Creative Jewellery Group, alongside my senior management team, with the added benefit, backing and security of the Heimerle + Meule Group.” Visit heimerle-meule.com IJL’S KICKSTART 2018 NOW OPEN International Jewellery London (IJL) Kickstart 2018 mentor programme is now open for applications, with room for six participants. Emerging UK up-and-coming jewellery designers with their sights set on success are invited to battle it out for one of just six places in this year’s KickStart initiative, taking place at Olympia London from 2 nd - 4 th September, 2018. The chosen designers will have access to the many career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, branding and marketing support, introductions to key industry figures, and the opportunity to win a free stand at IJL 2019 in the special ‘Industry’s Choice’ award. In addition to receiving extra support, each UK-based winner will be awarded a bursary funded directly by the Benevolent Society. IJL Event Manager, Sarah Kitley-Spencer, says, “If you’ve worked hard to establish your brand, now’s the time to start your IJL journey. KickStart nurtures ambition, determination and talent, giving up- and-coming designers the chance to get their collections seen. Now in its ninth year, KickStart is one-of-a-kind, with an unrivalled package of support, as well as the opportunity to exhibit at IJL 2018. We balance practical advice with design inspiration, so that you can become a better jewellery entrepreneur in today’s digital world.” The IJL Journey begins with the final year student and graduate- focused Bright Young Gems initiative. Alumni of this scheme and emerging designer brands can then apply for KickStart: a programme dedicated to new brands looking to make waves in the trade. Following these schemes, more established designer brands can apply to become an IJL Design Gallery Exhibitor. Visit jewellerylondon.com/ kickstart to apply online.The deadline is 10 th April 10, 2018. Plymouth College of Art and Millfields Trust have joined forces to launch a new venture, Makers HQ, which is described as a one-of- a-kind visionary community interest company created to provide cut, make and trim services to the fashion industry.The company has a strong focus on achieving ethical, British manufacture and has received £184,000 of funding from Power to Change, the independent trust supporting community businesses in England, funding that was complemented by the £96,000 provided by Social Enterprise Investment Fund from Plymouth City Council. Makers HQ will bring together academic institutions, businesses, designers, makers and members of the local community to create a sustainable and innovative new business model for the fashion and textiles sector in Plymouth.The company aims to drive community regeneration, initially within the Stonehouse area, through job creation, increased retention of highly-skilled graduates and training opportunities. Plymouth College of Art and Millfields Trust are working together to reignite the fashion manufacturing sector within the South West and reimagine how a fashion factory can drive economic and community regeneration For further information email pbuchan@pca.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)7526 721 500. Plymouth College of Art and Millfields Trust receive funding to launch joint venture Makers HQ with a focus on ethical services to the fashion industry Patrick and Vivian Fuller