Company of Master Jewellers appoints Jason Allum as chair

Company of Master Jewellers has appointed Jason Allum, director of Allum and Sidaway, as chairman, succeeding Michael Aldridge of Neil and Barker.

Allum rejoined the CMJ board of directors in April 2025, having previously served an eight-year term between 2013 and 2021. He will step into his new role in August 2026. 

His family business, Allum and Sidaway, was founded in 1942 and is a founding member of the CMJ, currently operating six retail locations across the south and southwest of England. 

The transition marks the end of Aldridge’s nine-year tenure as chairman of the buying group.

The leadership change follows the recent appointment of Patrick Turner as the organisation’s managing director. 

Allum will work alongside Turner and the democratically elected board to oversee the group’s strategic direction. 

The CMJ functions as a member-owned cooperative designed to support independent jewellery retailers through collective purchasing power and professional development resources.

During the transition period, Allum and Aldridge will coordinate to maintain operational continuity for the group’s retailers and suppliers. 

The CMJ board is composed of elected industry professionals who manage the group’s long-term vision, focusing on the commercial interests of independent businesses within the UK and Irish jewellery markets.

Michael Aldridge, current CMJ chairman, said: “After nine years serving as chairman, I will be stepping down in August as my term of office comes to an end. It has been a privilege to lead the organisation and to work alongside the board, executive team and membership. 

“Throughout my tenure, we have strengthened partnerships and supported our independent jewellers. I am pleased to welcome our new managing director Patrick Turner and have confidence that his leadership will build on our foundations. I am proud of all that we have achieved and Jason Allum will be stepping into the role of chairman.”

Allum added: “The CMJ is an organisation that I am proud to be part of. It is an honour to have been asked back onto the board of directors and to fill the position of chairman in August 2026. 

“Michael Aldridge has conducted his chairmanship with dedication to the CMJ’s success. I am committed to building on our core values and contributing to the growth of both our retailers’ and suppliers’ businesses. I look forward to working alongside my fellow directors and our MD Patrick Turner in guiding the CMJ forward.”

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