What our Clients Say
Calleija Jewellers may not be a familiar name in the UK
just yet, but when the high-flying Australian firm opens
its first overseas store, in London in May 2008, John Calleija’s
dazzling designs are set to take British jewellery-lovers
by storm.
Artaius has been integral to establishing the store, in Old Bond Street’s Royal Arcade, yet the complex process has been carried out without the Artaius and Calleija teams ever meeting. Instead, they have built a successful working relationship via email.
John Calleija began creating hand-crafted items featuring the highest quality gems, including rare pink diamonds, on Australia’s Gold Coast in 1988. Now employing a team of 23 at his Main Beach, Queensland, headquarters, he is considered Australia’s leading jewellery designer, with his creations snapped up by high profile clients including the late Luciano Pavarotti.
Winning the DeBeers Diamonds International Design Award in 2000 – international jewellery design’s highest honour – placed John firmly on the world jewellery stage, while taking part in overseas exhibitions generated further international interest. So when he found the Royal Arcade store while visiting London in 2007, it presented an ideal opportunity to take his work to a wider audience in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Janelle O’Connell, who has worked with John for eight years, “jumped at the opportunity” of launching the store. She says: “Old Bond Street has a wonderful reputation for fine jewellery and Calleija will fit in perfectly.”
As soon as the decision was made to open the London store, Calleija contacted Artaius, who had been recommended by the Queensland Trade Office in London. Janelle explains: “We had considered hiring a bookkeeper and an accountant, but for speed and completeness, we decided that a ‘one stop shop’ was going to be advantageous.
“Time was of the essence in the early stages and Artaius made everything fall into place very quickly. No matter what questions I asked, they were very thorough and helpful.”
Janelle has found working with Artaius via email both efficient and cost-effective, given the difficulties of distance and a nine-hour time difference. She says: “There were times when it was easy to forget that we were on opposite sides of the world, as things happened quickly and decisions were made and actioned within hours, rather than days.
“From setting up the company, opening bank accounts and finding solicitors, to signing leases and hiring staff, Artaius has been providing advice and contacts. Now the company is established and the store is about to open, Artaius will continue to provide bookkeeping, tax preparation and company services.
“Our store manager has now arrived in London, and is able to speak to Artaius whenever she needs to. Knowing that she has a professional team to give her support and back-up leaves her free to concentrate on our core business. Meanwhile, our finance department in Australia can monitor our accounts through Artaius’ online services and we know that everything is operating as it should, without us having to check up on them.”
“Opening a new store is a challenge at the best of times. Opening one on the other side of the world, with different company and tax regulations, and a tight schedule, is almost impossible. Artaius were able to give us the contacts to make things happen quickly and to give us advice on many aspects of the business.
“Artaius brings us confidence. Not having to worry about paperwork and the office work leaves our team free to do what they do best – create exceptional jewellery.”
