Nationwide awards Aussie and New Zealand Members of the Year

Posted December 01, 2021 | By Richard Chiu

Nationwide Jewellers has announced the winners for its Annual Awards 2021 during the pre-Christmas virtual expo initiated last year under COVID-19 restrictions. The buying group’s awards are traditionally held at a gala dinner each year in Sydney, to coincide with the International Jewellery & Watch Fair.

Traci and Martin Asmussen of Southport’s Handcraft Studio were awarded ‘Australian Member of the Year’, while Glenn and Jodi Mcleay of Invercargill’s McLeay Jewellers as ‘NZ Member of the Year’. Both awards included travel vouchers to the value of $2,500.

Image: Traci and Martin Asmussen of Southport’s Handcraft Studio were awarded ‘Australian Member of the Year’

Apprentice of the year was awarded to Joshua Hamilton of Karrans of Hyde Park, who received the Nathan Cameron Perpetual trophy, a digital camera valued at $1,000, and $500 cash from award ‘sponsor’, Expertise Events.

Also awarded were Ted Pevy of Jewellery Centre as Australian Supplier of the Year and Perrin Jones of Peka Agencies as NZ Supplier of the Year.

A highlight of what organisers called a ‘major enhancement’ from last year’s event, was the creation of three virtual pavilions - Australia, New Zealand, and international suppliers - to ensure a better visitor experience.

“Our pavilion/stands concept was designed to create an interactive experience for members, and to facilitate the merchandise selection and ordering process,” Colin Pocklington, managing director, Nationwide Jewellers said.

Exhibitors were grouped according to their designated pavilions, all of which provided special offers, order forms, and a list of current best sellers.

Video messages were also provided by exhibitors for visitors to their virtual ‘stand’.

The objective, according to Pocklington, was to “provide instant access to large amounts of merchandise available to order on the spot” considering most virtual trade events “have been limited to video chat sessions between buyers and sellers” due to Coronavirus restrictions.

“The expo was highly successful, with numerous members taking advantage of Nationwide’s six-month interest free finance offer,” Pocklington added.