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Our Board of Directors

No one is better placed to make a decision about our membership than the members themselves.

The Company of Master Jewellers is run by a democratically elected board of independent retailers, each one a highly esteemed member of the jewellery industry with years of experience and passion. They ensure that our strategy and vision keep the interests of independent jewellery retail at its heart, so our members can be confident that the business is always focused on their interests and the growth of their individual businesses. 

The Board also includes a Non-Executive Supplier Director, who represents the interests of our supplier membership.

Michael-Aldridge

Michael Aldridge

CMJ Chairman, Neil & Barker

Neil & Barker was established in 1964 as a family jewellery business in the heart of Widnes, Cheshire. Since 1984, it has been managed by Michael Aldridge and his wife Allison, daughter of the founder. 

Michael has previously held senior marketing positions in retail management with Selfridges and the John Lewis Partnership.

Neil & Barker has been a member of the Company of Master Jewellers since 1985. Michael was appointed Chairman in June 2017.

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Peter Simpkins

Simpkins Jewellers

Simpkins Jewellers has three stores – in Witham and Colchester, Essex, and in Haverhill, Suffolk.

Simpkins Jewellers has been a member of the Company of Master Jewellers since 2012. Peter has been on the Board of Directors since January 2021.

Gemma-Murphy-Final-Portrait

Gemma Murphy

Jack Murphy Jewellers

Jack Murphy Jewellers was founded in Newry, Northern Ireland, in 1972 by Gemma’s father and business partner Jack.

The business has won numerous awards including Store Design of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards 2021 and Best Customer Service at the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021, where Gemma also received the Best Businesswoman accolade.

Jack Murphy Jewellers has been a member of the Company of Master Jewellers since 1996. Gemma joined the Board of Directors in January 2022.

John Neville

John Neville

Neville Jewellers

Neville Jewellers is a family business that was founded in 1971. With five stores – across Cork and Limerick in Ireland – John has more than 30 years’ experience in the jewellery sector, which provides him with an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Neville Jewellers has been a member of the Company of Master Jewellers since 2017. John joined the Board of Directors in June 2023.

Judith-small-file

Judith Lockwood

Mesmeric Distribution

Judith is our Non-Executive Supplier Director.

In 2013, Judith founded Mesmeric Distribution, the UK distributor of jewellery brand Ti Sento – Milano, where she works with more than 100 independent jewellers across the UK.

She has previously worked at luxury brand Cartier, diamond brand Hearts On Fire and British jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint, as well as big name brands in other industries such as Honda Motorcycles.

Judith joined the Board of Directors in January 2021.

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Emmet Cummins

Managing Director, the Company of Master Jewellers

As Managing Director of the Company of Master Jewellers, Emmet also sits on the Board of Directors.

Emmet joined the Company of Master Jewellers in April 2020, having spent ten years at the Watches of Switzerland Group, where he led the business services division.

He previously worked in management positions at Vodafone Global Enterprise and Molson Coors Brewing.

CMJ team 2

The Board of Directors is supported by our Head Office team, who have a wealth of experience in finance, retail, events and marketing.

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