Jewitt takes UK hallmarking role

YORKSHIREMAN Christopher Jewitt, former chairman of the 238-year-old Sheffield Assay Office, has been appointed to the organisation’s governing body.

As chairman of the British Hallmarking Council, Mr Jewitt will oversee hallmarking across the UK, a system which has been established for several hundred years.

The 52-year-old was born in Sheffield and has previously served as Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire in 1996.

Mr Jewitt is currently a director of Sheffield-based hand tool manufacturing firm Footprint Sheffield.

In his position at the British Hallmarking Council he will chair a team that will work to uphold the high levels of protection for both trade and the consumer on hallmarked products, and to ensure that any legislation brought about within their industry is upheld.

The British Hallmarking Council, set up in 1973, consists of between 16 and 19 members, 10 of whom are appointed by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, and must have relevant experience from across the sector.

The remaining members are appointed by the Assay Offices across the country – namely London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Sheffield, all of whom remain on the Council for three years.

Mr Jewitt said: “It’s a great honour to take up this position. The UK is one of only a handful of countries that has such a rigorous hallmarking system, and it is one which is envied by many other countries around the world.”

Ashley Carson, assay master at the Sheffield Assay Office, said: “We’re very proud that a former Chairman of the Sheffield Assay Office is now overseeing the British Hallmarking Council.”

Chris Heaton has taken up the position of chairman at the Sheffield Assay Office.