The Bridlington- based Jewellers Academy were thrilled to be short-listed alongside some of the biggest, most established businesses in their group.
As founder Derek Boyd, explained: “To get to that stage was an honour so we attended the ceremony in the home of goldsmithing… Birmingham.
“The ceremony was full of glitz, style and razzmatazz and something that will stay with us for a long time.”
Derek commented: “I was so proud to be there representing the tradesman and Yorkshire but when they announced that the Jewellers Academy was voted the winner of the prestigious Service Supplier of the Year award, I nearly fell off my seat. Stunned, shocked, proud all rolled up in a set of emotions that I can’t really explain.”
They later discovered that no business has ever won the two biggest national awards in a 12 month period as last October, 2023 they won the Retail Jewellers National Award.
“I have no words but proud of what we as a team have achieved and
with the biggest businesses in the industry now looking to get involved in the training and upskilling of gold/silversmithing, engravers, watchmakers, laser technology, etc, which is exactly what we train here in Bridlington. I have no idea where this is going to lead.” said Derek.
Currently the Jewellers Academy generally sell out their short courses in days and people travel from all parts of the UK and Ireland to take part in the workshops.
“It’s an idea that has flourished beyond belief, repair and restoration is a vital part of the industry which leads to design and manufacture.” Derek added.
He added: “Over the past few months, the Academy have been expanding in all areas and after teaming up with a local media business from Driffield and branding company from York, with production under way they hope to launch their online tuition site which is like no other in the industry. With expansion in all other areas it is hoped that this accolade will only enhance their chances to progress.”
About the Jewellers
Academy and Derek Boyd
“I having been training on a small scale 1:1 or 1:2 for 20 years but the business
continued to grow year-on- year…so much so expanding in 2019 and during the covid years.
“Our small retail business – on the ground floor – named ‘The Workshop’ has been trading on Prospect Street, Bridlington for over 23 years, but in 2019/20 the three upper floors were completely restored and the creation of several workshops were born.
“The style of training we perform is something I have developed from when I was trained 30 years ago by the Swiss Watch Industry.
“It is a new concept training in gold/silversmithing, unique and the results are outstanding – thus one of the main reasons of winning these prestigious awards.”
The Jewellers Academy, Suite 1 and 2, 8 Prospect St, Bridlington YO15 2AL.
