Five Jewellers Turn Business Plans into Action with the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026
The Goldsmiths’ Centre has announced the five recipients of its Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026, awarding £2,000 each to UK-based jewellers Aaron Caldwell, Aaron Whittingham, Heather Coleman, Helena Palmeira and Isabel Distassi. Made possible through funding from the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, the grants enable emerging businesses to make targeted investments in the next stage of their business growth.
The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants are designed to remove barriers to growth, helping sole traders and micro-businesses that have undertaken formal mentoring, consultancy or business diagnostic programmes turn development plans into practical action. From equipment that brings previously outsourced processes in-house to specialist training that expands the scope of a maker’s work, the grants support investments that can be challenging to make at an early stage, but can have a lasting impact on productivity, profitability and creative potential. Together, the five projects demonstrate how targeted investment can support business development, from strengthening specialist skills and bringing processes in-house to improving routes to market.
Over the coming 12 months, each recipient will use the grant to support a specific area of their business development: Aaron Caldwell of AJC Goldsmiths will invest in a refurbished laser welder to bring complex repairs in-house, reducing costs and turnaround times; Heather Coleman will fund specialist tools and training to expand her repair, restoration and engraving services; Helena Palmeira will invest in stone-carving equipment, photography and digital development to strengthen both her practice and its presentation; Isabel Distassi will use the grant for advanced stone-setting and digital rendering training, enabling her to take on more complex bespoke commissions; and Aaron Whittingham will purchase a Durston drawbench and micro-plating unit to expand his in-house repair and restoration services.
“t's a real privilege to support five emerging jewellery businesses during a key stage in their development. Based in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and London, these makers each bring new ideas, ambition and creativity to the industry. Through the Catalyst grant, we're supporting their strategic growth by helping them access specialist tools, equipment and training to develop their business and realise their potential. We're proud to support these talented jewellers to invest in their business, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”
– Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants form part of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across the UK jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries. Up to ten £2,000 grants are available each year, with funding supporting investments including new machinery and tools, product and service development, marketing, specialist knowledge and new ways of working.
To follow their projects in action and apply for the Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2026, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/apply-for-grants.