City News

A Birmingham jeweller will be showcasing his prize winning designs at an event in London to be attended by some of the biggest names in UK fashion - all with a helping hand from UK Trade & Investment - the government body that helps British companies develop their export business.

The event, being held tomorrow (Wednesday, May 7th) at the Cultural residency of the Chinese Embassy in Hampstead, London, will be a landmark in the history of F&L (UK) Ltd, set up just four years ago by Birmingham based, Fei Liu, who originates  from China.

Fashion designers Paul Smith and Stella McCartney are among those invited to attend the glittering event which will showcase Fei Liu's work.

Based in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, the talented jewellery designer has been a keen exporter from the beginning. Fei Liu has worked in collaboration with many international jewellery houses and has exported his work to New York, Tokyo, Paris and many other destinations in Scandinavia, Europe , Middle East and Far East.

The award winning designer attributes much of the company's success abroad to the help and support from UK Trade & Investment.  F&L (UK) Ltd has completed UKTI's Passport to Export Programme and received funding to attend exhibitions in New York, Tokyo and Dubai as well as participating in trade missions to Japan, USA and China.

As a result, F&L's exports now account for 17% of the company's annual turnover. A figure that Fei Liu is confident will grow. He says:

 "We are delighted to be invited to showcase our jewellery at such a prestigious event in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy in London.
This will offer us the unique opportunity to introduce our exclusive collections to the most important business , fashion and jewellery opinion formers both from the UK and overseas. We have had excellent support from UK Trade & Investment. If it had not been for their advice and financial assistance we would not have been able to increase our profile on the international stage. Our ITA's Helen Yendall and Jane Matty have been extremely supportive in our successful efforts to increase our profile on the international stage, particularly in planning and organising our participation in Passport and numerous Trade Fairs and missions. Any company thinking of exporting its products should definitely pick up the phone and speak to a UKTI adviser."

The talented jewellery designer is no stranger to accolades. Fei Liu has won many design awards during the last six years including First Prize at the British Kayman Awards 2007; four British Goldsmith Jewellery Awards and the International Basel Jewellery Design Award 2001.

F&L will be exhibiting the following collections at the Cultural residency of the Chinese Embassy in London on May 7th :

Dawn Collection - Inspired by the form of coral, black gold contrasts with Tahitian Pearl, diamonds and semi precious stones. This dramatic collection developed through new computer technology was the winner of British Goldsmith Award 2006 and the British Kayman Award 2007. This collection has been successful in Europe and US.

Sweet Rose Collection - Inspired by 'The English Rose', this collection is ideal for the bridal market with cream and pink pearl. There are two heavy pieces  which will be shown at the Residency event -  five row Pearl, platinum and diamond 3D bracelets.

Whispering Collection - Another Classic design with a modern twist. It is inspired by the femininity and classic look of the Orchid flower. The specially designed 3D and hollowed fitting not only has the function of holding the precious stones but also can be worn and is equally as beautiful as the gems. This collection uses lots of coloured gem stones combined with grey diamonds  set in black gold, bringing an even more sophisticated feeling.

Asclepias Collection - Platinum with intricate lace design with 2ct diamonds and almost 100 flowers shaped by mother of pearl. This intricately crafted design was inspired by nature, the 'Milkweed'. These pieces were featured in the British Highlights Showcase at the Basel international show this year - the most prestigious jewellery show in the world.