JW sits down with Laura Moore, Managing Director of the Jewellery Industry Network to discuss their latest initiative The Centre, a co working space for the Jewellery Industry in Sydney.
What inspired you to create a shared working space exclusively for the jewellery industry?
I was really inspired to create a space for the industry that offers a myriad of services. We have always had a strong digital offering to the industry in addition to our Trade Fairs, but as we have grown the Jewellery Industry Network and speak to so many different jewellery businesses around the country, we have started to see a need for a centralised physical offering that is available all year round to support the industry. The Centre ticks off so many different needs and offers so many services that it can really operate as a hub for the Australian industry and support national activity between states, as well as local businesses with services and information.
How does The Centre cater specifically to the needs of jewellery businesses compared to general coworking spaces?
The Centre is completely different to a general co working space. The main reason is that it has a dedicated jewellery workshop, set up with 9 benches currently and all the tools and equipment for a jeweller to create in. It is also absolutely secure, with a strong room and walk in safe. The space is geared towards the industry and definitely offers a completely set up retail environment with jewellery manufacturing facilities, along with the security that jewellery businesses require.
What facilities and resources do you provide to support both established jewellers and emerging artisans?
Such a great question, because I think the key to this space is that it is set up for three different types of businesses within the industry.
1. For an emerging business, who does not currently have the capacity to manage their own rent, set up a fully operational jewellery workshop, plus have the additional expenses around other operational bills.
2.For an established business, the space offers an area for events or to attend workshops or training. It’s also set up so that if a business needs to downsize, it is set up to allow that business to remain fully operational.
3.For Jewellery Suppliers, it’s a great space to hold product events, product demonstrations and VIP nights. For interstate suppliers, The Centre can act as a virtual office and be an office and storage facility for when travelling into the city.
What role do you see The Centre playing in the future of the Australian jewellery industry?
As the industry continues to change, this space can be a strong offering to support so many different business set ups. It can assist to connect the industry and provide space for so many different activities. Due to the way the space is set up, it really does provide the industry with a strong suite of resources for so many businesses and individuals.
How does The Centre promote collaboration and networking among jewellers and industry professionals?
The Centre currently has multiple events lined up for the industry, all of which assist the industry to connect, upskill and share resources. These events include our Knowledge Nights, Bench to Bench nights and other networking events which will allow the industry to access different information and be part of a community.
In what ways does The Centre help jewellery businesses reduce operational costs while maintaining high standards?
The Centre is fully set up for a jewellery business to walk in and trade. From having a consultation space for their clients, to a manufacturing workshop for makes and repairs, to a secure lock up for stock, to an office set up with wifi and all the requirements of an office. A jewellery business could immediately reduce their operational costs simply by joining the Centre as a member and utilising the space for their own business.
What additional services or features do you plan to introduce to enhance the experience for jewellery professionals?
The Centre services also include catering options, mail handling and other administrative services which can really uplift a jewellery business when presenting to their clients. We are also looking at running additional events in the 2025 year which will be another exciting offering for the trade.
How do you ensure security and confidentiality for jewellers working with high-value materials and designs?
The space is very secure, is fully alarmed and has individual lock boxes for members so their stock is separate and secure. The consultation space can also be booked out exclusively, so that for any sensitive meetings, the space is private.
How do members engage with The Centre and find out more?
The Centre has a great booking page that the industry can login to and see space that’s available. The Centre members page also allows individuals to share their skills and find services and skills, a bit like LinkedIn for Jewellers. Anyone in the industry can also email our team at TheCentre@jewelleryindustrynetwork.com or just pop by for a coffee and chat! We are open from 10am – 1pm Monday to Friday and we have free parking out the back of the space. We would love to see you there!
View More Here: https://www.thecentresydney.org
