Forum in Top 100 for fifth year running

Forum Jewellers in Broadstone has been voted as one of the Top 100 independent jewellers in the UK for the fifth year running.

Retail Jeweller’s Inspiring Independents 2020 aims to celebrate the very best in independent jewellery and watch retail in what’s been one of the toughest years in history for the sector.

Forum, which has received awards for its customer service and products, won the votes of fellow jewellery retailers for its innovation, creativity and reputation within the industry.

Helen Molloy, Forum’s Director, said she was delighted at the recognition in what has been a challenging year for the business.

She added: “To be recognised by our peers in the jewellery world means a lot to us as a single, small, family business.

“We’re competing with some really big stores and multiples in the sector and have had to react to some rapidly changing situations due to Covid-19 by creating different ways to continue our service to customers.”

Ruth Faulkner, Editor, Retail Jeweller, said: “We are fortunate to have so many impressive independent businesses in our sector.

“What is even more notable is just how many of these businesses have not only survived but thrived during the recent challenges brought about by Covid-19.”

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Ouch Training CEO to provide global support with IOSH

Simon Cassin, CEO of Wimborne-based Ouch Training, has strengthened his longstanding links with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

He has been appointed a Topic Advisor for the health and safety body’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Simon, pictured left, will be supporting IOSH members who are looking to develop themselves through the CPD programme.

Specifically, he will be an additional source of expertise, helping the IOSH CPD team to recognise and share appropriate sources of training, academic papers, websites, books and podcasts.

Simon said: “I am extremely humbled to have been offered the opportunity to support the IOSH members.

“I have always championed the value of greater understanding and application of morality and ethics within the industry.

“It is fantastic to be given this chance to continue working with an internationally recognised body.”

The topics of applied philosophy and psychology in the workplace are relatively new to the health, safety and wellbeing industry.

However, after many years of academic study and practical experience, Simon has sparked a wider interest in the topic from the sector.

Throughout the year, he has delivered several webinars surrounding applied philosophy and morality and ethics within the health and safety industry.

To complement Simon’s role, Ouch Training is launching a series of philosophy and psychology-based courses.

The programme will not only apply to workplace health and safety, but will also consider fundamental aspects of employee and customer relationships across various areas of business.

The first course being offered by Ouch Training is called ‘An Introduction to Morality and Ethics’.

For more details please visit www.ouchtraining.co.uk

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Quadrant2Design expands into brand activation displays

Quadrant2Design, the Poole-based custom-modular exhibition stand design and builder, has expanded into a new product area – brand activation displays.

After twenty years in the exhibition industry, the business saw a gap in the market and decided to expand despite the current closure of its industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Quadrant2Design has worked with global brands such as Tesco, BT and Dulux.

Four years ago it created the display used by the Bank of England to launch the new £5 note, pictured right.

The business has now brought in a dedicated team to design, manufacture and build bespoke brand activation displays.

Andrew Carney, Director, pictured left, said: “We are now the only brand-marketing agency, with in-house production of brand-activation displays, product launch displays and exhibition stands.

“Our customers have always felt comfortable knowing that we are responsible for their exhibition stand.

“But now we are stepping up to the challenge and myself and my team are ready to bring brand activation displays into the mix.”

The company designs and builds the brand activation displays in its studio in Poole.

Every display is prebuilt for quality assurance, which means brands get the chance to see their design before the event.