Business as usual for the British Hallmarking Council

By MH

November 21, 2025

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At the request of Business and Trade (DBT) Secretary Peter Kyle, it is business as usual for the British Hallmarking Council (BHC) – the unifying voice of UK hallmarking. Following yesterday’s announcement that its functions will transfer to the Department for Business and Trade, the BHC is working closely with DBT to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining its regulatory role.

At its meeting yesterday at the Sheffield Assay Office, the Council paid warm thanks to outgoing Chairman Noel Hunter OBE, recognising his outstanding contribution to supporting growth in the trade, protecting consumers, and addressing the challenges posed by unregulated online marketplaces.

Members also welcomed new Chairman Simon Topman, who confirmed the Council’s continued focus on its statutory role to protect consumers, uphold the integrity of hallmarking, and support growth across the precious metals sector.

Simon Topman said: “The British Hallmarking Council welcomes the Government’s review of arm’s length bodies. We will continue to deliver our regulatory responsibilities to maintain hallmarking standards, which enjoy worldwide recognition, and to support this initiative.
We also welcome the opportunity to move British hallmarking forward into a new era – one that was not foreseen when the 1973 Hallmarking Act was created.

At a time when counterfeits and confusion threaten both consumer protection and the financial wellbeing of our sector, we will work closely with ministers to ensure that the integrity and authenticity of the UK hallmark remains a rock of confidence in an ocean of fast-changing marketplaces, especially online.”