Jewellery business prepares to shine overseas

A FORMER physiotherapist who set up an online jewellery business is gearing up for overseas expansion.

Bling Rocks was launched last January by Nikki Walls, when health problems as a result of having twins meant that she had to seek an alternative career.

Having always had an interest in fashion, she decided to set up her own jewellery website offering an exclusive range of bespoke jewellery for women and children.

Over the last year, the business has built up a celebrity following with Danielle Lloyd, Katie Price and Kerry Katona amongst its fans.

The business was recently chosen by Jacqueline Gold, managing director of Ann Summers, as the winner of her weekly Twitter competition.

It recently moved to offices at Thorpe Park and is currently undergoing a recruitment campaign as it prepares for the busy Christmas period. It is also planning to develop its activities in the UK retail market by working with independent retailers.

Intellectual Property (IP) experts from law firm Clarion have helped the new business to protect itself as it prepares to expand overseas.

Clarion’s IP practice has been working with Bling Rocks since it was established and has now succeeded in securing trademark protection for the brand throughout the EU and also in the United States.

Building on the growth of its business in the UK, Bling Rocks has plans to target European and US markets next year to take advantage of the popularity of British fashion.

“After spending 15 years working in the NHS, becoming an entrepreneur and running my own jewellery business has been a steep learning curve,” said Walls.

“As a young company, it is vital that we have trusted advisers to help us grow and provide the support needed to realise our potential.

“The brand is our most valuable asset and protecting it is a priority, particularly as we expand into overseas markets – as an online business, we face a greater risk of being targeted by copycat competitors.”

Sophia Constantinidis, associate in Clarion’s IP team, added: “It’s always satisfying to work with a business right from its launch, developing its IP strategy as it grows to ensure that it is fully protected. Bling Rocks has already established a strong brand with a loyal customer base and having robust IP protection in place will be key to its continued success.”