We are thrilled to announce our sponsorship of NAJ’s Rising Star Award for 2024.

This year, the NAJ have grouped 15 categories into three thematic pillars, celebrating Great Ideas, Great People and Great Businesses. Providing more opportunities to champion professional excellence within staff, processes, and company.

Sharjeel Nawaz, Principal of BAJ, expressed the benefit of BAJ’s involvement: “We are delighted to support the Rising Star of the Year Award at this year’s NAJ Awards. This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to nurture and champion emerging talent in the jewellery industry. By recognising and celebrating the achievements of those at the start of their careers, we are helping to build a strong foundation for the future of jewellery design and manufacturing. Our commitment to fostering new talent is unwavering, and we are proud to be a part of this important event.”

About the award:

The Rising Star of the Year Award (sponsored by BAJ) celebrates and recognises the achievements of a person at the beginning of their career in our industry – across all sectors and regardless of age.

Requirements for nomination:

To be eligible for nomination, the individual must not have worked for the organisation for more than two years.

Included in the nomination application must be the following details:

• How long the nominee has worked for the business, and in what capacity.
• Outline why they merit the award.
• Give examples of the contribution they make to the success of the business
• Give examples of how they have adapted to the business, picking up skills, thinking on their feet etc.
• Give examples of how they go ‘above and beyond’ in their work and in the business in general

See the full list, category criteria and how to submit a vote here. Nominations close on 31st July and are completely free to enter for NAJ members.

About the sponsor:

BAJ is a future-facing, specialist jewellery and education institution with strong industry links and expert tuition. BAJ provides pioneering education and training for jewellers, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all abilities and backgrounds in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leicester.

Their wide range of programmes includes degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships, online learning, and short courses, providing varied educational opportunities for both professionals and students.

The awards night:

We are approaching that time of year again when members of the jewellery industry dust off dinner jackets and freshen up party frocks to celebrate the extraordinary talent of the past year. The NAJ Awards are a popular way of recognising the brilliance of an organisation, the professionalism of a work colleague or the positive impact a team or group has made to a company. This year, the awards will be held on Thursday 10th October at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.

Ticket prices to attend the awards are £125 + VAT per person for NAJ members or £175 + VAT per person for non-members. NAJ offers a 10% discount for full table bookings.

Click here to learn more about NAJ.