Report on the NAJ Summit 2023
Published: 18th July 2023
The Annual NAJ Summit took place on the 24th to the 26th of June at the Park Regis Hotel in Birmingham and Emma Paragreen and Sarah North were delighted this year to represent Sheffield Assay Office playing a key role in the event.
On Sunday we exhibited at the Supplier event enabling us to talk to many members. We obviously outlined the array of services that we offer, but it was also great to discuss our 250 year history. Many members are not aware of how hallmarking came about, or it’s long history, so explaining in detail about its importance and the challenges was welcomed.
Another popular topic throughout the event was the Bradbury’s Book of Hallmarks. We are fortunate that a number of years ago we purchased the rights to the Bradbury Book which is the bible of hallmarking across the UK. Daniel Bradbury was our first Sheffield Assay Master so it is something we are very proud of. The Bradbury book is used by people all across the trade, is constantly being updated and a brand new version is being published to commemorate our 250th Anniversary in September.
We are holding a number of events over the next few months, celebrating not only Sheffield Assay Office but also the City of Sheffield itself, our roots. We continually work hard to maintain and grow our connections and relationships within the Sheffield area as being important to the history and the growth of our community.
There will be a display within the Millennium Gallery, part of Sheffield Museums Trust and a number of Heritage Open Day events from 8th – 17th September, highlighting silver across the city as well as other events into spring 2024, so keep an eye on the Sheffield Assay Office website and social media channels for more details. During the Summit we were able to chat about the forthcoming events, encouraging people to attend and explaining the important role that Sheffield plays within the industry.
After a great day of networking we then attended the NAJ Awards Gala Dinner. As part of our role throughout the Summit, we donated the trophies for the awards from Wentworth Pewter, which is a Sheffield based company. They were engraved by a member of the Sheffield Assay Office team.
The NAJ event was deemed a great success by everyone in attendance and we look forward to announcing and reporting on further events through the year.
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us,
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