PETER WONG APPOINTED NAJ VICE CHAIR The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced the appointment of Peter Wong, Director of Wongs Jewellers, as the new Vice Chair of the NAJ. As director of the award-winning family jewellers, Wongs, Peter brings a wealth of retail and industry knowledge to his new role. He has played a significant role in the NAJ’s National Committee since joining in 2024, chairing the independent retailer community group during this time. Peter will succeed Mehdi Saadian as Chair in 2028. Commenting on his new role, Peter shared, “I am honoured to have been appointed Vice Chair of the National Association of Jewellers. The NAJ plays a vital role in supporting training, education, and career development across the industry. I hope to use my experience and network to be a strong advocate for this work, championing opportunities that attract, nurture, and retain talent within our sector. “Our membership is incredibly diverse, spanning designers, makers, retailers, suppliers, and service providers. In my role as Vice Chair, I look forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with members from across the industry, ensuring their voices are heard and that the NAJ continues to provide meaningful support and representation for all.” NAJ Chair Mehdi Saadian offered his congratulations, stating, “Peter has been a valued contributor to the National Association of Jewellers, bringing insight, integrity and a genuine commitment to supporting our members. I am delighted to welcome him as Vice Chair and look forward to working closely with him as we continue to strengthen the Association and champion the interests of its members.” To view a list of all members who volunteer for NAJ groups and committees, visit the link below. https://naj.co.uk/about-naj MISS MILLY CELEBRATES 14 COLOURFUL YEARS WITH FINAL COLLECTION 22 years after setting her up her first accessories business, Sarah Watmore, owner of Miss Milly, has announced that Autumn/Winter 2026 will be the much-loved British brand’s final season. “I have been supplying jewellery and scarves to the gift and fashion trade for over two decades but it’s now time to explore new horizons and have some different adventures,” she explains. “Our new collection had a great reception in Harrogate and it will be business as usual until November.” Far from being another sad small business closure, this is a story of success. Sarah started Miss Milly in 2012 with an ethos of trusting her instincts, communicating transparently, servicing the trade efficiently and building strong partnerships with retailers and suppliers. Those values have shaped the business from day one and helped establish Miss Milly as a colourful, trusted brand working with independent retailers across the UK and Ireland. Over the past 14 years, the company has grown from a jewellery specialist into a recognised accessories brand, adding scarves, magnetic brooches, recycled leather handbags and purses, keyrings and more, while earning a loyal following among gift shops, garden centres, boutiques and visitor attractions. The business enjoyed a particularly memorable 2025, winning both the Spring Fair Award of Excellence for Fashion Accessories for its magnetic brooches and the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Micro Business of the Year award. “Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved,” says Sarah. “I’ve worked with wonderful retailers, built fantastic relationships with our suppliers and had the privilege of seeing Miss Milly products bring colour and joy to so many customers. It’s not usual but I’m happy to finish while the business is in a strong position and on a high.” Sarah would like to thank every retailer, supplier, sales agent and customer who has supported Miss Milly over the past 14 years. “This business has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.” www.missmilly.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 5
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