This month marks a significant milestone for Bleyer Bullion as we celebrate 15 years of operations.
As the founder, I’m often asked about the journey that led to the establishment of our business, and I find it fitting to reflect on our story as we mark this occasion.
Planting the Seeds of Inspiration
The roots of Bleyer Bullion trace back to 2006, a year of personal and professional transition. Following the conclusion of a long-term project involving the sale of a family property, I found myself exploring new avenues for investment.
Witnessing the changing landscape of financial markets, particularly the growing reliance on debt in the UK, sparked my interest in alternative assets like precious metals. People were learning that they didn’t need to save for the future so a buy now pay later culture was and is still growing.
Amidst this backdrop, the idea of demystifying bullion ownership and making it accessible to everyone took shape. In 2009, fuelled by this vision, Bleyer Bullion was founded. With limited experience but unwavering determination, we embarked on a journey filled with challenges and learning opportunities.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
The early years of Bleyer Bullion were characterized by experimentation and perseverance. Despite facing financial setbacks and the departure of key team members, including my former husband and co-founder, I remained committed to realising our vision. The journey wasn’t easy, but the support of dedicated staff and loyal customers propelled us forward.
Embracing the Digital Age
The advent of e-commerce proved to be a game-changer for Bleyer Bullion. Investing in a full-fledged online platform in 2014 not only expanded our reach but also transformed the way we conducted business. With the addition of talented individuals like Dan, whose passion for digital marketing breathed new life into our online presence, we embraced technology while maintaining a personal touch.
Building Stronger Connections
At the heart of our success lies a commitment to building genuine relationships with our customers. From handwritten notes to personalised customer service, we strive to go beyond transactions and foster meaningful connections. This human-centric approach, coupled with our dedication to excellence, has earned us the trust and loyalty of our clientele.
Adapting to Changing Times
The COVID-19 lockdowns brought unprecedented challenges, but it also underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability. While many businesses grappled with uncertainty, Bleyer Bullion remained steadfast, serving as a trusted resource for individuals seeking security amid economic volatility.
Giving something back
As well as providing a service to buyers and sellers, we enjoy helping people to understand a bit more about the investment landscape and learn what to look for. Over the years I have given several talks in person and via Zoom, I’ve visited schools and groups sharing my knowledge and experience.
Over our time we have also enjoyed supporting local charities. These have included, Young Farmers, The Barn Owl Trust, North Devon Against Domestic Abuse, Campaign Against Living Miserably, North Devon Hospice as well as a community projects.
Market Changes
Over the past 15 years, Bleyer has guided numerous clients through the intricacies of investment decisions. While we refrain from making decisions on their behalf, we strive to offer perspective to those weighing bullion purchases amid their hopes, fears, and expectations.
This guidance has unfolded against the backdrop of significant global events, including the 2008 banking crisis, the emergence of Bitcoin in 2009, the implementation of the Banking Act 2009 (which introduced Bail-In Law), the Greek Debt Crisis of 2015, China’s ascension as the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity, the Brexit referendum in 2016, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and more recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The focus of clients has shifted markedly from the early years of my career in this field. Initially, the desire for precious metals primarily served as a hedge against downturns in other markets such as stocks, property, and bonds. However, events from 2015 onwards have sharpened concerns regarding the potential utilization of bail-in powers by UK banks. These developments have underscored threats to individual sovereignty, with increased surveillance and governmental attempts to curtail freedoms becoming more evident.
Gold and silver are now recognised not only as safeguards against economic uncertainty but also as secure mechanisms for preserving wealth beyond the reach of centrally controlled digital networks. Their physical forms, in bars and coins, offer a means of transaction accessible to anyone, thereby elevating them beyond mere investment vehicles.
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-were-the-top-ten-events-of-the-decade-3305697
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/paper/2021/executing-bail-in-an-operational-guide-from-the-boe
Silver Price Chart over the past 15 Years
[LBMA.com]
Gold Price Chart over the past 15 Years
[LBMA.com]
The Cast
In the office we have highly experienced Melissa and Leo helping customers with sales and day to day enquiries and updating our website with new products. Kathryn takes care of our storage customers and keeps our accounts in order. Behind the scenes we have Beth, Carol, Paul and now Richard. Together they provide website, marketing and office support.
The dogs: Coco; Barney; Ochre and recently Ronnie manage meet and greet.
Some of Bleyer’s old members of staff have gone onto do some amazing things and I’m pleased to have been part of their story too: Dan works for Jimmy’s Iced Coffee and is still growing his online business ‘The Rave Cave’; Robin’s crotchet channel ‘Hooked by Robin’ has 788,000 subscribers and Jerry developed his digital social media agency and is working remotely as he travels around Central and South America.
Looking Ahead
As I look to the future, the focus remains on innovation and customer-centricity. By staying true to our traditional values while embracing evolving trends, we are poised to meet the changing needs of our customers and navigate the dynamic landscape of the precious metals market.
In conclusion, the journey of Bleyer Bullion is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication. As we celebrate 15 years of Bleyer and its growth and resilience, I’d like to express heartfelt gratitude to my team, customers, and supporters who have been integral to our success.
Here’s to the next chapter of our journey, filled with continued growth, prosperity, and meaningful connections.
Invest with Bleyer
Our friendly, award-winning Bleyer customer service team is always on hand to assist you. If you’d like to talk to a specialist on the phone and have a free 1-2-1 consultation, please call the office on 01769 618618. We’d love to hear from you.