The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) held its second Supplier Member Conference at the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort on 29 January 2026, where it unveiled plans for a revolutionary payment and data system, as well as updating attendees on the upcoming Access show.
The one-day conference, which was free for supplier members to attend, opened with a business update in the morning, followed by a live poll and Q&A session in the afternoon. The theme of the day was of closer collaboration with existing partners, inviting those attending to give feedback and share their thoughts on the future direction of the group.
The CMJ used the conference to unveil exciting plans for a new accounting software that is currently being implemented by the group’s finance team. The new system promises to provide a more efficient, more secure and more intelligent payment process for suppliers. Key features include the ability to detect seasonality of sales through in-depth analysis, empowering suppliers to explore data via an intuitive, market-leading platform.
Patrick Turner, managing director of the Company of Master Jewellers, said: “This new system could be one of the most exciting things we have added to our portfolio in a long time. It promises to revolutionise the way we process information, providing individual businesses with unique insight, as well as giving us as a group a bigger picture of market trends and fluctuations. It’s a real game changer.”
Turner also gave an update on the Access trade show, which is a brand new, industry-only, one-day event open to any independent retail jewellers with a bricks and mortar presence: “Our marketing campaign is now fully under way and is proving highly effective, as we already have many top-tier independent retailers registered to attend. Access is one of the biggest platforms coming up to give you [CMJ suppliers] the opportunity to grow your business.”
The new Access show takes place on 3 March 2026. It will bring together more than 100 exhibitors in a conveniently accessible West Midlands location and is free to attend for any independent jewellery retailers with a bricks and mortar presence. To find out more or to register to attend, retailers can visit the dedicated Access website.
Suppliers who attended praised the event and the opportunity to shape the future of the CMJ as well as to discuss industry challenges such as rising precious metal prices in the Q&A session.
Colette Toner, sales manager at Treasure House, said: “[It was] a positive and insightful day that, in these challenging times, is very welcome. The tools and help from the group are there to be taken advantage of and will be invaluable going forward to us all.”
Simon Logan, director of Clarity Jewellery UK, said that by attending he had seen, “a refreshing understanding and appreciation of the importance of the partnership between suppliers and their retail members and a buying group that is committed to the interests of both parties”.
Adryan Cresswell, head of commerce at HD Group, added: “This was a fabulous event in which the CMJ explained how it is putting the interests of its suppliers at the heart of its strategy. We left the day with complete clarity on the future plans of the CMJ, and we felt involved and respected.”
