The NAJ Celebrates Gary Wroe as Winner of the 2025 Chair’s Award

By MH

January 16, 2026

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The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced Gary Wroe as the recipient of the 2025 NAJ Chair’s Award, recognising his exceptional and sustained contribution to the UK jewellery industry.

The award, once again sponsored by Mastermelt Ltd, was presented at the Benevolent Society Christmas Ball, held at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

Now in its fifth year, the NAJ Chair’s Award celebrates individuals or companies whose commitment, influence and impact has had a transformational impact on the trade. This year’s recipient, Gary Wroe, has been a defining figure in British Jewellery manufacturing for more than four decades, earning deep respect across the sector for his leadership, voluntary service, and dedication to nurturing future generations of jewellers.

Celebrating a career of service
Gary began his career at just 16, joining the Youth Training Scheme run by the British Jewellers’ Association (now National Association of Jewellers). His passion and drive saw him rise rapidly through the ranks at Hockley Mint, first becoming Production Manager at 25, and later, at only 36, taking on the role of Managing Director. Under his leadership, the business became known for its ethical credentials, commitment to sustainability, and pioneering shift to Employee Ownership.

Alongside his commercial achievements, Gary has dedicated an extraordinary amount of voluntary service to the sector. He has held numerous roles central to the governance, integrity, and future of the UK jewellery trade, including as a Director of the British Allied Trades Federation, a Trustee of the Benevolent Society, a Warden of the Birmingham Assay Office, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, and a member of the British Hallmarking Council. He has also served as both Chair and President of the NAJ, as well as the British Jewellers’ Association.

NAJ Chair, Adam Jacobs, congratulated Gary on receiving the Association’s highest honour, “Gary’s contribution to the British jewellery industry cannot be overstated. His leadership in manufacturing, his commitment to nurturing talent, and his tireless voluntary service embody the very best of our trade.

“For decades, Gary has championed the values of professionalism, integrity, and craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the many people within it. It is a privilege to recognise his remarkable achievements with the 2025 Chair’s Award.”

Speaking on the announcement, Gary Wroe said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the NAJ Chair’s Award. This industry has given me so much since the day I first walked into the workshop at 16 years old. Giving back, whether through training young jewellers or supporting our institutions and industry, has been one of the great privileges of my career. I am truly grateful to the Association, to the colleagues I’ve worked alongside, and to the wider trade that makes our sector so special.”

Recognising a century of service: Retail Jeweller honoured
This year’s ceremony also included a special presentation to Retail Jeweller magazine to mark its 100th anniversary. First published as a small monthly bulletin by the British Jewellers’ Association, the publication has grown into one of the trade’s most influential voices, championing excellence, reporting with integrity, and supporting generations of jewellery professionals. The NAJ presented Retail Jeweller with a commemorative award in recognition of its century-long service to the industry.

About the NAJ Chair’s Award
Supported by Mastermelt Ltd, the NAJ Chair’s Award celebrates individuals and/or companies who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing, professionalising, and ensuring the long-term success of the UK jewellery sector. The honour reflects the Association’s values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

If you would like to recommend an individual and/or company, at any point, please email