Assay Office given stamp of approval for overseas hallmarking
THE Sheffield Assay Office has made history by becoming the first to be granted permission to apply the prestigious UK Hallmark overseas.
Legislation changes to the Hallmarking Act last year, which followed a three year campaign, enabled the four UK Assay Offices to apply a UK Hallmark outside of the UK and compete with European Assay Offices already operating without geographic restrictions.
Following this celebrated and long awaited reform, Sheffield Assay Office has now been granted permission by the British Hallmarking Council to open a branch in Malpensa, just outside Milan, Italy.
Sheffield Assay Master and chief executive Ashley Carson said: “This is a landmark day for the UK Hallmarking Industry and I am delighted that Sheffield Assay Office, the capital of world hallmarking, is the first to open a branch overseas opening up significant commercial opportunities in a market place that is becoming increasingly globalised.
“The Sheffield Assay Office team carefully selected the location allowing us to apply the UK Hallmark to a range of world famous brands, not only being offered for sale in the UK, but also within Europe.”
He added: “By establishing an office oversees we can increase control, giving manufacturers an extended lead time on deliveries and streamlining company logistics.
“It’s a win, win situation: great for the Hallmarking industry; great for UK trade and great for the local Milan economy; plus above all it’s putting Sheffield firmly on the world map as a centre of hallmarking excellence, a badge of honour we are very proud to wear.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield MP Nick Clegg, added: “I am absolutely delighted to see Sheffield taking advantage of the changes to the Hallmarking Act, allowing Sheffield to finally compete in Europe, enabling our city’s Assay Office, a jewel within Sheffield’s crown, to thrive not only in the UK market, but also now within Europe.”
Christopher Jewitt, chairman of the British Hallmarking Council, said: “We have made UK history in approving Sheffield’s application to Hallmark overseas signifying a great move in terms of business development. The Sheffield Assay, Milan office will be the first of many offshore operations I am sure.”
The Sheffield Assay Milan Office will open on April 28 and two Sheffield artists, Annette Petch and Jen Ricketts, have been commissioned to develop the first articles to be hallmarked.
