Bench to Business

The module helps learners to develop an advanced knowledge of skills related to employability and/or self-employment through entrepreneurial initiatives and includes a variety of professional and practice-led strategies that can be employed by a practising jeweller or designer. The module will provide the learner with a critical understanding of the business practices of the jewellery and goldsmithing trade. This will include precious metal markets and trade, wholesale and retail business practices, workshop management, brand positioning, and social media & marketing. Learners will produce a bench-to-business strategy that will provide them with a business manual to support their future business enterprises. The module will further enable students to begin to establish a professional profile by managing their own marketing and advertising through the development of a logo or brand and developing a professional profile on various platforms such as webpages or in social media.

1. Position hand-crafted products in a commercial marketplace.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the contemporary influences on the jewellery industry and the associated regulations.

3. Undertake critical analysis, discussion, and debate regarding current practices in traditional jewellery techniques and new technologies.

4. Develop an appreciation of the social, economic, and critical technological elements involved in the production of small-scale batch production.