I’ve been a Director at Forum Jewellers since 2001. I’m responsible for the day-to-day management of the business, including monitoring stock levels, buying in new stock, identifying new jewellery trends, offering new brands to our customers, management and recruitment of staff (although this doesn’t take a lot of time because no-one ever leaves!), staff training, and business forecasting.
I was brought up around jewellery and have never known anything else! My parents, Iain and Sue Munro, started Forum Jewellers in Blandford in 1982, and there is photographic evidence of me working behind the counter when I was 5 years old! I started officially working for Forum as a Saturday assistant when I was 13 and learned so much from them.
When I was 17, I decided to branch out and study business support at college, going on to a sales and marketing role in a facilities management company. Mum and dad invited me back for a year’s placement to set up their new IT system, as it was a very new concept back then, and I just never left!
Customer service is in my blood. My parents and the Forum team were such excellent role models that it now comes naturally for me to go above and beyond. I have inherited my parents’ ethos that if you look after your staff, they will look after the customers.
I have been an active member of The Company of Master Jewellers for 22 years, having sat on the Board of Directors for 2 years. I also represent Forum Jewellers at a national level, which really helps me network with like-minded business owners and professionals.
I have a Retail Jewellers Diploma together with a Professional Jewellers Management Diploma. I’m really proud of the successful relationships we have built with brands and suppliers, some of whom the family have been dealing with for 40 years.
“I recently rang Forum Jewellers about a ring for my daughter and had such brilliant customer service. I initially dealt with Helen who was so helpful and friendly just what you need as a customer! I placed my order online which was easy to use. It was a pleasure dealing with Forum Jewellers….Thank you.” Sue Rose
My main challenge is to keep the business profitable, especially through extraordinary times like the Covid lockdown, the cost of living crisis, when people have less disposable income, and navigating the dying high street. We have built an exceptional reputation at Forum; not only do people travel to come to us, but they remain loyal and return regularly, for which we are so grateful.
I have so many memories of wonderful customer moments, but one of my proudest memories happened just before lockdown when I was approached by a young man who wanted a specific and unusual engagement ring. Despite then going into lockdown, I was able to liaise with the customer and the workshop who made the exact ring the customer wanted, and I even drove to Dorchester to deliver it to a very happy and relieved groom-to-be!
Forum is made special by my team, of which I’m very proud. Each member of staff is extremely loyal and committed, sharing my passion for jewellery. I’m also very proud of how hard we have worked for our customers and that, in return, they have been so loyal and supportive, which is vital as a small, local business. We’ve received awards for our customer service, and it is such an honour to be recognised for doing something we love.
Of all the stunning pieces of jewellery we have in store, my favourite is an 18ct White Gold Diamond Bubble Bangle. It matches the Bubble Ring I was given for my 40th Birthday, so I’m hoping I might be given it before my 50th!
Helen
Director
Alison
Shop Manager
Angie
Repairs Manager
Suzanne
Sales Consultant
Wendy
Sales Consultant
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