We’re pleased to announce the success of our recent series of bite-size industry-led sessions that aimed to support BAJ students’ networking and further upskilling.

Our dynamic Enterprise Series covered topics from Business Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, Business Plan Writing, Branding, Innovative Collaborations, and Visual Identity, to Website Development on Shopify.

The series started with an introduction from Ioanna Kefalogianni, BAJ’s Careers & Industry Engagement Manager, who provided an overview of the programme to students before the official commencement on 24th April.

Ioanna reflected on the conclusion of this series, saying: “Throughout the programme, our Level 3 and HNC students delved into practical aspects of business, learning how to write effective business plans, develop digital branding skills, and set up their websites and online shops using Shopify. The hands-on approach provided our students with invaluable insights and tools to advance their entrepreneurial journeys.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed speakers:

• Ishwari Thorpe, Senior Researcher in Regenerative Business & Leadership, Business Mentor & Coach, Fashion & Creative Tech Consultant
• Ann-Marie Buckley, Marketing Director
• Guy Buchan, Founder and Creative Director, Entrepreneur
• Nikki Maidment, Founder, Creator & Digital Change-Maker at ETHICLY

We are thrilled with the positive feedback from our students:

• “The creative Branding and Marketing session was very clear and concise, and I found it to be very useful and interesting.”
• “The sessions were incredibly useful, and the presentations were clear and considerate of different levels of knowledge and experience. I gained a lot and will apply it to my own project.”
• “I loved the presentations. They were extremely informative, and I really enjoyed the way the speakers presented. It was a pleasure to be part of.”
• “The business development session was brilliant. The speaker was clear and straight to the point.”
• “Ishwari is such an excellent speaker, and her presentation is outstanding. I am happy to have met her online and hope to meet her in person.”

We would like to thank Nikki Maidment, Founder, Creator & Digital Change-Maker at ETHICLY, for donating her honorarium to the initiatives below:

• Blue Carbon Projects
• Afforestation Carbon Removal
• Renewable Energy Carbon Avoidance

Are you interested in what else our Careers and Industry department facilitates? Reach out here: employability@britishacademyofjewellery.uk or here if you are a past alumni of ours: alumni@britishacademyofjewellery.uk