posted: 20.07.04

Stunning. That's the only word that we can use for what Holts do.

Holts are one of the UK's most respected jewellers and gemstone dealers. They are the jewellers' jeweller - supplying the trade, designer-makers, renovating priceless treasures for museums and national institutions, and at the same time, running their renown, family run-business in the heart of Hatton Garden. And that's not all...

Holts are using their expertise, experience and resources to spearhead an initiative to help regenerate the jewellery industry in the UK. Jason Holt explains..."Skills are being lost - we were once a country that the rest of the world followed in terms of jewellery design, craftsmanship and knowledge. New technology and cheap labour abroad has changed all that and if we're not careful there will be no jewellery industry left in the UK. We want to help stem the tide and to introduce new creativity and skill into the trade."

So that's where we came in.

Holts asked us to look at how they, as a commercial enterprise, could develop and promote the more altruistic 'schools' side of what they're doing. It's a tough nut to crack. There are conflicts and synergies. There's reputation and competition. But ultimately there's an energy and evangelism about Holts that's infectious. And what they do is outstanding. On all fronts. Gems, jewellery, design, training, lobbying, networking - everything.

We have just scratched the surface with a new range of 'little gem' books - focusing on each aspect of the business, but carefully cross-feeding the benefits. And we can't wait for the next phase - when Holts School really takes off, and makes a difference to the Hatton Garden communities, inspires youngsters to think of gems and jewellery as a 'real' career and once again puts the UK at the heart of excellence in the trade.

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