Here, Betts Metal Sales operations director and group sales manager, Karen Martin, explains why Sutton Tools will exhibit at this year’s International Jewellery London and reveals the pieces of equipment that have performed strongly this year…
Q: Why did Sutton Tools decide that 2016 was the year to exhibit at IJL?
KM: The feedback from other exhibitors over the last few years has been good, this together with the fact that Sutton Tools has now been acquired by Betts Metal Sales will make it a vehicle for us to show our exciting product offering that not only covers jewellery tools but bullion and an extensive range of wedding rings.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the history of the company and the sort of services you provide?
KM: Both companies have a combined history of almost 400 years of serving the jewellery trade, we are managed by the ninth consecutive generation of the same family. We supply refining services, jewellery finishing services as well as all jewellery related products. The front-end staff we employ all have jewellery related experience, so you can really talk in depth to an expert about the products you are buying or the service you require.
Q: Are there any new innovations in technology for the jewellery industry that have impressed you recently?
KM: We are the sole distributor for the PUK 5 a precision welder from Lampert and we will be demonstrating this at the show. Obviously 3D printing is an exciting new development and we are looking at this carefully to see what we can introduce to our range. When we select innovative tooling, we like to be able to demonstrate the benefits and understand their place in the market before we just offer anything as part of our selection.
We are also launching a training room in our Suttons Trade counter later this year, where we will demonstrating all our tooling and holding specific workshops.
Q: What are your aims for 2016 and are there any areas you hope to expand in?
With our long history of service to the jewellery trade, we believe we are well placed to offer a well- rounded customer experience, we believe we offer great customer service delivered by staff who are practised in the art of jewellery making and refining.
We want to offer a service where all jewellery making products and advice are available, our motto “Cant find it…Betts will” will be extended to cover the Suttons range as well. We are looking at new technology with the tooling area and will be introducing new lines and demonstrating them at the IJL show.