British Silversmithing: Understanding the Sector – Report by The Goldsmiths Company

1 July 2026

the Goldsmiths’ Company has published British Silversmithing: Understanding the Sector, a report that provides a foundational evidence base on industry challenges and opportunities and sets out a series of recommendations for how these might be addressed. The publication of the report follows a five-month programme of research led by Karin Paynter, commissioned by Annie Warburton, CEO and Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company, with the support of the London Assay Office.

Drawing on an industry-wide survey, interviews and focus groups with commercially active silversmiths, alongside hallmarking and official data sources, the report offers a foundational assessment of the sector, examines how it operates in practice and identifies key risks, opportunities and priorities to inform future strategic planning, leadership and investment.

Over the coming months, the Goldsmiths’ Company will begin working with partners across the industry to develop a long-term strategic framework for the sector. This process will focus on identifying priorities, building consensus and exploring practical interventions that can strengthen British silversmithing over the coming years. We recognise that success will depend on continued engagement from across the sector and we look forward to working together to shape the next phase of this work.

Read the full report here.