Training and recruitment issues

• Retention of trainees – Some employers are reporting issues with retaining apprentices and trainees in the allied trades due to low wages, long training times, or limited job prospects.
• Long training periods – it can take years for apprentices to become proficient, making it difficult to sustain training programs.
• Costs of delivering training –  The initial stages of training can be costly to a small business both in time and the use of materials. Employers shouldn’t expect a return on investment from an apprentice for a few years and there is currently very little support to assist with the initial costs.
• Limited training capacity – small businesses often lack the time, resources, or staff to provide in-depth training for new craftspeople

Availability of tools

• Lack of specialist tools and equipment – many allied trades are relying on tools and equipment from craftspeople who retire or from companies that have closed down e.g. spinning lathes, specialist stakes etc.
• High tool and equipment set up costs – Whilst a jeweller can get by with a bench and small pieces of equipment, someone setting up in the allied trades will need a lot more space and expensive equipment. They may also need to install extraction and other systems to ensure safe working practices.

Skills issues

• Reliance on outworkers – many businesses depend on outworkers and subcontractors, meaning that skills are not being retained within businesses and the capacity to pass skills on is reduced. However, this also presents an opportunity for establishing a national network of skilled workers that can support small and large businesses through more collaboration
• Ageing workforce – a large portion of skilled workers are approaching retirement, with few young professionals entering the trade.
• Lack of visibility of skilled workers – many allied trades work ‘behind the scenes’ and are often not promoting their own work. This lack of visibility can mean that skills gaps are not evident until it is too late. More investment is needed in this area to help them be more visible.
• Lack of skilled technicians and specialist tutors – particularly as some are retiring, is a risk factor and is also part of the reason we see a decline on output of training via the university and apprenticeship routes. There has been significant reduction in funding and sessional hours over the last 25 years for the teaching and passing of those skills. Courses have been merging, blending into broader subjects and specialisms are being lost as subjects to teach. Many courses have closed due to high course fees and a lack of funding.

Market issues

• Fluctuating trade – demand for handcrafted silverware varies significantly, making it difficult to predict financial stability and workforce needs.
• Uncertain work pipeline – orders are often sporadic, and businesses struggle with periods of feast and famine in terms of commissions.
• Overseas competition – The UK is still known worldwide as the centre of excellence for traditional skill and quality of craftsmanship. There are opportunities for this to be promoted further and for the UK to play to its strengths. The UK doesn’t have the workforce or capability to compete with oversees mass produced silverware and so must look to different markets.
• Non-disclosure agreements (ndas) – restrictive contracts prevent businesses from showcasing high-profile commissions, limiting future opportunities.
• Shrinking retail opportunities – The traditional markets for silverware are changing, with corporate and export commissions making up the majority of orders. The decline in demand for traditional silverware is not a new issue and the trend has moved towards one off commissions for private gifting, art collectors and corporate businesses.

Supply chain issues

• Import tariffs – increased costs due to tariffs on raw materials and finished products make it harder to compete in global markets. Shipping costs too
• Volatile material costs – precious metals such as silver are subject to constant price fluctuations, affecting profitability and pricing stability.
• Material quality issues – the availability and consistency of high-quality materials can impact production and final product standards.
• Fewer large contracts – the number of major commissions has declined, reducing the steady income stream for many businesses.

Business issues

• Premises – high rents, limited availability of suitable workshop space, and challenges in maintaining traditional craftsmanship within modern industrial regulations.
• Wage challenges – skilled craftsmanship requires high pay, but businesses struggle to afford competitive wages in a price-sensitive market.
• Rising energy costs – the cost of running high-energy-consuming equipment has surged, adding financial strain to workshops.
• Effluent disposal costs – the high cost of safely disposing of waste materials, including chemicals used in finishing processes, is a financial burden.