In The Trade - An Interview With Marie Brennan: Commercial Manager - Birmingham Assay Office
With over 22 years service at the centre of excellence that is the Birmingham Assay Office, our next In The Trade interview is with marie brennan, providing an insight into her successful customer focused career to date.
With the Birmingham Assay Office being one of only four official assay offices in the UK and the largest in the world, it's an exciting environment to delve into this month with Marie. Beyond its hallmarking duties, the Office also offers services such as diamond and gemstone certification, product safety testing, as well as valuations and industry education opportunities.
Who, what, where & how long
Hello, I’m Marie Brennan, Commercial Manager at the Birmingham Assay Office, where I’ve proudly worked for the past 22 years. Before joining the team here, I spent 17 years with the British Jewellery & Giftware Federation—now the BATF—bringing my total time in the trade to an incredible 39 years (and counting!).
How you started, your route into the trade
My journey into the jewellery industry began back in 1986, when, as a 19 year-old, I was working as a PA to the Managing Director of a car rental firm in Birmingham. Out of the blue, a recruitment agency approached me about a role in the jewellery sector. I thought, why not, jewellery sounds far more exciting than cars!
That decision led me to Lynn Snead, who managed the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) from its historic premises at 27 Frederick Street in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. The building was a little worn and weary compared to the modern office I was used to, but I loved Lynn’s energy and the sense of heritage that came with the location.
I joined the BJA in September 1986, just months before the Association’s Centenary Year in 1987—a time of major celebration across the jewellery industry. It was an exciting introduction, and I loved the role from day one. Over the next 17 years, I progressed through several positions, ultimately becoming General Manager of the Federation and working alongside some of the most talented and professional people in the trade.
By 2003, I felt it might be time for a change—perhaps even a life outside of jewellery! I took a two-month summer break to spend time with my 8 year-old daughter (who’s 30 now!), but fate had other plans. I received a call from Michael Allchin, then Assay Master at Birmingham Assay Office, inviting me to take on a newly created role as Customer Relations Manager. I joined the Assay Office on 30th September 2003 and since that day I’ve never looked back.
Qualifications
I left school at 16 with solid GCSEs and a strong desire to get straight into work. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment. They taught me that if you put your heart and soul into what you do, success will follow. That advice has served me well throughout my career.
What does your role entail?
Over the years, my role has evolved from Customer Relations Manager to Key Account Manager, and now to Commercial Manager. I’m responsible for business development across all areas of the organisation—from the Analytical Laboratory and Hallmarking Division to our Valuations and Gemmology services.
A big part of my role is cross-selling our services, ensuring customers have full access to the Assay Office’s wide range of compliance testing, quality assurance, and product verification services.
I genuinely love what I do. Working for the Birmingham Assay Office, a respected industry figurehead that has protected consumers for more than 252 years, is both a privilege and a passion. I take enormous pride in being part of one of Birmingham’s oldest and most iconic institutions, which continues to uphold the city’s world-renowned reputation for craftsmanship, quality, and integrity.
Favourite task
Delivering an outstanding service to our customers. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than knowing a client is delighted with the experience we’ve provided.
Least favourite task
I don’t really have a least favourite task, but if I had to choose, I’d say the admin side of things. That said, it’s all part of keeping everything running smoothly. I definitely prefer being out and about, talking to customers and building relationships rather than dealing with admin!
Thoughts for dream client
For me, the dream client isn’t necessarily the biggest name, but one who values partnership, communication, and shared goals. Working with people who see us as part of their team — that’s what makes it special.
Favourite Walsh product
My favourite Walsh product would have to be a jeweller's loupe.
It’s an essential tool for anyone working in the trade and absolutely crucial when examining hallmarks. I use one every day, and I’m still amazed at how such a small piece of equipment can reveal so much detail and craftsmanship in every piece we handle.
Many thanks to Marie for being our In The Trade focus for November.
To find out more about the Birmingham Assay Office please click here.
Meet the HS Team
Name, Role & Time With Company
Gina Davis
Sales Assistant - Hatton Garden Branch
Just over 3 months.
Favourite Food
It has to be steak & ale pie and all the trimmings... If it's on the menu, then I can't resist!
Best Way To Spend A Day Off
A lovely girlie lunch out and maybe a theatre trip to end the day.... Perfect.
Interests & Hobbies
I love beading... making something colourful.
Favourite Walsh Product
Bradbury's Book of Hallmarking - TB1708. I adore this book; mine looks a bit knackered now, but it got me through my exams. Every jewellery shop should have one!
Bradbury's Book of Hallmarking
Best Advice I've Ever Had
"Listen to your gut feeling. If it doesn't feel right, then it isn't." It even saved my life once!
