%% The European Quality Circle (EQC), the European marketing and consumer-oriented organisation that aims to provide jewellers and jewellery retailers with a portfolio of professional and education services, has begun its first membership drive among jewellery retailers within the European Union as well as internationally, EQC director Eyal Atzmon announced. %% "Currently, we are processing close to 200 membership applications from jewellery retailers worldwide, among them prominent jewellery retail chains as well as independent jewellers," Atzmon noted. "While during the past 12 months we already have run a number of pilotjewellery business and sales training programmes, we're now ready to offer these programmes as part of the EQC membership package," he said %% Access to the EQC Buyer Group for diamonds, gemstones and finished jewellery is part of the EQC membership package. "Sourcing diamonds, gems and jewellery has become a very difficult and high risk task in our industry. The bundling of jewellery retailers into a buyer group offers them added strength and position in negotiations with gem and jewellery suppliers," Atzmon pointed out. %% Also part of the package are EQC's tailor-made business and management training courses for diamond and jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Some of these courses, such as management and security, are already offered. Courses on diamond and gem identification are held in close cooperation with HRD Antwerp NV. Atzmon said that some of the other courses EQC offers are: Merchandising & Product Management; Human Resources Management & Recruitment; Communications Strategies; Building Action Plans; Individual Mentoring; How to Hold Successful Team Meetings; Customer Relations Management; Building Vendor Displays; and The Art of Negotiation. %% A full list of services EQC offers to its members can be found at www.eqc-worldwide.com. %% Initial applications for EQC membership may be sent by mail to info@eqc-worldwide.com or can be made through the EQC web site. %%