The business was founded in 1860 by Josiah Hancock, initially offering a clock-winding service during the city’s cotton boom. It later moved from its first Piccadilly location to King Street, where it has remained for more than a century.

Owner Roy Lunt said: “Jewellery styles may evolve, but our commitment to quality, service and beauty never changes. Celebrating 165 years of heritage in Manchester is a moment of immense pride for the entire team.”

Hancocks has sold hand-selected diamonds, coloured gemstones and bespoke jewellery to generations of customers in Greater Manchester and beyond.

Its collection reflects changing design eras, from 1950s gem-set pieces to 1970s abstraction and today’s focus on high-quality stones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

The company is recognised as a specialist in diamonds and precious stones, serving clients across the UK and overseas.

The brand’s ranges will be launched online at Goldsmiths and Mappin and Webb this July, marking the first time Annoushka will be available through a national specialist watch and jewellery retailer.

The brand will also debut in a selection of showrooms through a phased rollout: beginning with Northern Goldsmiths in Newcastle from 21 July, Goldsmiths Birmingham Bullring and Goldsmiths Stratford from 18 August, culminating at Manchester’s new Mappin and Webb flagship jewellery showroom from 5 September.

Annoushka Ducas MBE, founder and creative director of Annoushka, said: “Jewellery is so much more than adornment. It is identity, memory and emotion. After founding Links of London, I wanted to return to the heart of design: storytelling through craftsmanship and creating pieces that are as versatile and playful as the wonderful women who wear them.

“I’m thrilled that our pieces will now be part of the Goldsmiths and Mappin and Webb experience, where they can be discovered in beautiful surroundings by clients who value creativity, quality and connection.”

Craig Bolton, president of The Watches of Switzerland Group, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Annoushka to our showrooms across the UK. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing our clients with pieces that hold exceptional craftmanship, timeless design, and individuality.

“By being the only watch and jewellery specialist to offer Annoushka in the UK, this new partnership brings with it a new era of jewellery retail within our showroom portfolio.”

Annoushka was founded by Ducas in 2009 and focuses on 18ct gold designs adorned with diamonds and precious gemstones.

The group has created its own collection featuring floral designs from its archive, each piece set with 25 diamonds to represent 25 decades. Another range is crafted in 18ct yellow gold sourced from The Royal Mint.

To mark the anniversary, partner brands have also released limited-edition pieces: Roberto Coin has added to its Venetian Princess collection; Fope has introduced a sapphire version of its Prima bracelet; Marco Bicego has unveiled London blue topaz designs for its Lunaria line; and Fabergé will launch a one-of-a-kind egg object later in the year.

The brand, which holds Royal Warrants and serves as jewellers, goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty The King, received a new Royal Warrant in May 2024. 

Since 2012, two of the company’s master craftsmen, Martin Swift and Mark Appleby LVO, have served as crown jeweller, responsible for maintaining the crown jewels. 

Mappin and Webb’s recent collections have also included pieces developed under the Crown Jeweller’s oversight.

The brand operates a London Jewellery Workshop and a Silver Workshop in Greater London, providing repair, restoration and bespoke services. The teams are involved in diverse projects, from mayoral regalia to Ascot trophies.

Additionally, Mappin and Webb supports charitable initiatives including the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust and The King’s Trust. 

It contributes a portion of sales from anniversary collections to support The King’s Trust’s Change A Girl’s Life campaign.

A new flagship showroom in Manchester is set to open in 2025, featuring a De Beers boutique and becoming the only David Yurman stockist in the UK outside of London.

Karl Bailey, senior manager of Mappin and Webb Regent Street, said: “It is our great pleasure that in May 2024 we received the Royal Warrant to His Majesty The King as Jewellers, Goldsmiths, and Silversmiths.

“As a grantee of a Royal Warrant, it signifies and reinforces our exemplary service, quality, and excellence of the highest calibre.”

Craig Bolton, president of the Watches of Switzerland Group, added: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Mappin and Webb, and to be working with such esteemed jewellery partners to do so is a reflection of the incredible heritage of this renowned British brand.”

The news comes as the company plans to expand its footprint with a new store in Manchester later in 2025.

The awards, hosted by County Brides, recognise “outstanding” wedding suppliers across the region. 

This year, more than 17,500 verified votes were cast and over 3,000 businesses nominated.

Cynthia Cartwright, commercial director at Wongs Jewellers, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award. What makes it so special is that it comes from the couples we’ve had the joy of working with during one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.

“As we look ahead to the opening of our new Manchester store later this year, this recognition is a wonderful reflection of the passion and care our team brings to every customer experience.”

Peter Wong, managing director, added: “It’s such a privilege to be recognised in this way. At Wongs, everything we do is rooted in craftsmanship, trust, and a deeply personal approach. Being voted best jeweller by the couples we serve means the world to us.”

During the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, footfall increased across all segments – high street by 5.3%, retail parks by 7.5% and shopping centres by 5.6%.

Across nations, footfall also increased 6.7% in England, 6.9% in Scotland, 13.6 % in Wales, and the largest increase of 14.3% in Northern Ireland.

However, the BRC stated that this year Easter was in April compared to last year when it was in March, hence the calendar change distorts the year-on-year footfall comparisons resulting in an artificially higher April, but lower March footfall.

Taking March and April together, compared with the same two months in 2024, total footfall increased by 0.2% – high street by 0.2%, retail parks by 2.7%. Meanwhile, footfall in shopping centres decreased by 0.7%.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Adjusting for the late fall of Easter this year, footfall across March and April showed a small but positive trend, with retail parks continuing to perform the strongest out of all locations. This reflected the unseasonably warm and bright weather right across the UK. In England, the North East saw particularly strong growth in footfall, with Manchester and Liverpool both recording double-digit improvements in footfall. Retailers will be hoping this momentum continues into the summer months.

“If the government wishes to see thriving towns and city centres, it must ensure no shop pays more as a result of business rates reform, thereby enabling retailers’ ability to invest in their local communities.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: “April brought a welcome rebound in footfall, with shopper numbers rising 7.2% year-on-year across all retail destinations. The combination of Easter trading and the sunniest April on record helped entice consumers back into stores.

“Looking at March and April together however, the overall picture for the UK is more balanced, with footfall across the two months up just 0.2% year-on-year. While this suggests that April’s gains largely offset March’s dip, it also highlights the importance of sustained engagement beyond seasonal peaks. Retailers will now be looking to build on this momentum as we move into the summer months.”

With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, Hallgarten is a respected educator and specialist in education policy and practice, with a particular expertise in creative learning, and a track record of achieving impact for young people.

Starting his career as a primary school teacher in London and Manchester, his expertise and interest in creative learning has seen him take on a range of leadership roles in the non-profit sector.

These include being the CEO for the Centre for Education and Youth, the director of Education at the RSA and director of RSA Global, and the learning director for Creative Partnerships, the world’s largest ever school creativity programme.

He is also an associate at Creativity, Culture and Education, a member of the Cultural Learning Alliance advisory group and a trustee of Fuel Theatre.

On taking up the role Hallgarten will become the first director of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation – which supports organisations that focus on vocational skills and training and works at the intersection of creativity and social change – as it launches its first round of grant funding, and heads towards the fruition of its first four Landmark Programme projects in 2027.

Hallgarten said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first director of the Foundation, leading Goldsmiths’ philanthropic programmes as the company heads towards its 700th anniversary in 2027.

“While charity has been at the heart of the company for seven centuries, this renewed focus on support for technical, vocational skills and training is an incredible opportunity to realise the potential of the creative industries and put craft skills and creative talent at the heart of flourishing education institutions, communities and society.”

Lynne Brindley, chair of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation trustee board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joseph as our first foundation director. The depth and breadth of his experience, coupled with his creative and strategic perspectives within the non-profit and education sectors will be invaluable in supporting us to achieve our ambitious philanthropic goals as we head towards 2027 and beyond.”

Located at 58 King Street, M2 4LY, the new store marks an important milestone in the brand’s UK expansion, offering an immersive shopping experience for the local community.

The decision to open in Manchester follows years of cultivating a strong, engaged customer base in the city through Monica Vinader’s digital presence.

Drawing inspiration from organic textures and natural materials, the boutique incorporates elements such as stone, wood, and other thoughtfully sourced materials.

The design aligns with the brand’s values of “conscious design and long-lasting quality”.

Additionally, the boutique will offer a variety of personalised services including piercing, welding, engraving, and monogramming.

In line with Monica Vinader’s sustainability commitment, the boutique will also offer a gold and silver jewellery recycling programme, enabling customers to exchange old jewellery for a gift voucher towards their next purchase.

The brand also offers a five-year warranty and lifetime repair guarantee, with repairs and exchanges available at the new site.

Monica Vinader, founder of the eponymous brand, said: “We’re beyond excited to open our first boutique in Manchester, a city that has been such an important part of our journey. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to build a strong, engaged community here, and we’re thrilled to bring the Monica Vinader experience to life for both our loyal customers and those just discovering our brand.

“This space is more than just a place to showcase jewellery: it’s about creating a meaningful, hands-on experience that reflects our passion for craftsmanship, sustainability, and personal connections. We can’t wait to see how customers engage with the store, its design, and the opportunity to make our pieces their own.”

The new offering allows customers to create a unique and personal ring, tailored to their vision, whether online or in-store with expert guidance from the Hancocks team.

Customers can also explore a vast array of styles, cuts, and precious metals, along with ethically sourced diamonds that are GIA-certified and custom engraving, to craft a “one-of-a-kind” engagement ring.

Additionally, the service is available for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, or any bespoke piece of jewellery.

Founded in 1860, Hancocks Jewellers is Manchester’s oldest independent jeweller and a renowned purveyor of fine diamonds and handcrafted jewellery.

Roy Lunt, owner of Hancocks Jewellers, said: “At Hancocks, we have always believed that jewellery should be as unique as the individual wearing it.

“With our ‘Design Your Own Engagement Ring’ service, we are giving our customers the opportunity to create something truly personal—an heirloom that will be cherished for generations. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a statement piece, or a meaningful gift, we are here to bring every vision to life.”

Located on Market Street in a Grade 2 listed building, the store is set to open on 1 February.

The store will house all of Astrid and Miyu’s jewellery ranges, as well as two studios for its jewellery services, including piercing, welding and tattoos.

He will also be launching exclusive new tattoos and welding charms, inspired by the city of Manchester.

Connie Nam, Astrid and Miyu’s founder, said: “Our customers have been asking us for a Manchester store for years, so we’re thrilled to finally be opening our doors in this fantastic city with a newly designed space that reflects the heritage of Manchester alongside our signature A&M magic. Expect all of your Astrid & Miyu favourites alongside some exclusive charms and tattoos, designed especially for our Manchester community.”

Astrid and Miyu was set up in 2012 by Nam from her flat in Notting Hill with all pieces designed in house in the brand’s London studios.

As a result, the brand’s jewellery lines will be available in 10 of the group’s multi-brand showrooms Mappin and Webb and Goldsmiths.

These will be located in high profile, prominent locations, primarily shopping centres, in cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Glasgow, and online.

Furthermore, the plan is to expand the brand’s presence in a further four showrooms over the next months.

Marco Bicego, founder, said: “The opportunity to bring Marco Bicego to the UK through our partnership with the Watches of Switzerland Group is an exciting step for the brand. The interest and excitement around our brand continues to grow, and increasing our global presence through this partnership was a natural progression for us.”

Craig Bolton, president, Watches of Switzerland Group, added: “This is an exciting expansion to our jewellery business. The Watches of Switzerland Group is renowned for the established watch brand partners we house, and we are delighted to add Marco Bicego to our existing jewellery brand offering. As a highly respected, innovative, and creative brand, Marco Bicego will provide a new perspective on jewellery craftsmanship that we believe clients will love. ”