Five Jewellers Turn Business Plans into Action with the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026

The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants are designed to remove barriers to growth, helping sole traders and micro-businesses that have undertaken formal mentoring, consultancy or business diagnostic programmes turn development plans into practical action. From equipment that brings previously outsourced processes in-house to specialist training that expands the scope of a maker’s work, the grants support investments that can be challenging to make at an early stage, but can have a lasting impact on productivity, profitability and creative potential. Together, the five projects demonstrate how targeted investment can support business development, from strengthening specialist skills and bringing processes in-house to improving routes to market.

Over the coming 12 months, each recipient will use the grant to support a specific area of their business development: Aaron Caldwell of AJC Goldsmith will invest in a refurbished laser welder to bring complex repairs in-house, reducing costs and turnaround times; Heather Coleman will fund specialist tools and training to expand her repair, restoration and engraving services; Helena Palmeira will invest in stone-carving equipment, photography and digital development to strengthen both her practice and its presentation; Isabel Distassi will use the grant for advanced stone-setting and digital rendering training, enabling her to take on more complex bespoke commissions; and Aaron Whittingham will purchase a Durston drawbench and micro-plating unit to expand his in-house repair and restoration services.

Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: It's a real privilege to support five emerging jewellery businesses during a key stage in their development. Based in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and London, these makers each bring new ideas, ambition and creativity to the industry. Through the Catalyst grant, we're supporting their strategic growth by helping them access specialist tools, equipment and training to develop their business and realise their potential. We're proud to support these talented jewellers to invest in their business, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next.

The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants form part of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across the UK jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries. Up to ten £2,000 grants are available each year, with funding supporting investments including new machinery and tools, product and service development, marketing, specialist knowledge and new ways of working.

To follow their projects in action and apply for the Business Catalyst (Small) Grants2026, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/apply-for-grants.


About the Goldsmiths’ Centre
The Goldsmiths' Centre is the UK's national centre of excellence for learning, innovation and enterprise in the jewellery and silversmithing industries. We provide high-quality, skills-based training, supported by our principal funder, the Goldsmiths' Foundation. We open routes into apprenticeships, employment, further education and continued business growth, ensuring our industry’s continued relevance and long-term health.

Home to over 120 craftspeople working in affordable workspace, we bring together designers, makers, manufacturers and craftspeople in an ecosystem built on collaboration, learning and opportunity. Our award-winning building, just a stone's throw from London's historic jewellery quarter, is open to everyone. Through a year-round programme of exhibitions and events, we champion emerging talent, inspire creativity and conversations, revealing the skill behind each piece. We are committed to improving access to careers and training in the industry, enabling all to embrace learning as an essential lifelong practice. Our vision is a thriving jewellery and silversmithing trade, delivered by highly skilled makers, positioning the UK as world leaders, so that creativity, craftsmanship and community can thrive.