The Company of Master Jewellers in the United Kingdom announced the cancellation of its Autumn Trade Event at the end of the first day.
The event was set to run Sept. 10-11. The decision to cancel the event “was made in the interest of the safety and security of all attendees, exhibitors, and staff following a serious security breach,” according to a press release.
Speaking to attendees, Michael Aldridge, chairman of the Company of Master Jewellers, said:
Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to cancel today’s event following a serious security breach. This includes tonight’s evening function and tomorrow’s Trade Event. This decision has been made in the interest of the safety and security of all attendees, exhibitors, and staff, including hotel staff. We recognise this is going to cause inconvenience to suppliers and retailers, and many of you will have made previous travel and hotel arrangements, but your safety and wellbeing is paramount to us, and the threat is too severe to ignore. Having taken advice from police, this is the safest course of action.
The Company of Master Jewellers team would like to express its gratitude for the continued support and understanding of its members and the jewellery community at large. It remains dedicated to the core values of excellence, innovation, and safety that have defined its organisation for years.
