EXCLUSIVE: First panel lineup for Insider Talks announced
With the biggest day in the UK watch industry’s calendar coming up on 20 October, Watch Insider can exclusively reveal the lineup of the first confirmed panel at Insider Talks 2026.
Insider Talks is an integral part of the UK Watch Awards, which will be taking place at the same venue (Goldsmiths’ Hall) on the evening of the same day. It will bring together industry leaders from across the board to discuss important matters of the day, for the benefit of everyone in attendance.
The first confirmed panel will discuss the renaissance of British watchmaking — why it’s come about; what challenges the key players continue to face; and what advice those involved in British watchmaking can pass on to the next generation.
The panel comprises: Mike France of Christopher Ward, Alistair Audsley of the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers, Richard Benc of Studio Underd0g, and Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears.
“We are always happy to share our journey with colleagues in the industry, warts and all, in the hope it helps them avoid some of the mistakes we have made (and there are plenty of them!) and maybe learn from some of the successes we have also had,” France told Watch Insider.
“Having the inaugural UK Watch Awards in the evening will certainly add a frisson of excitement and anticipation to the discussions,” he added.
Audsley was also enthusiastic about the opportunity that Insider Talks and the UK Watch Awards provide. “The willingness to share knowledge and experiences has been a defining feature of the British resurgence. For new start-ups, there’s a real opportunity to learn from what’s worked for the established brands and, hopefully, to sidestep what hasn’t,” he said.
“I think the best of these conversations aren’t a one-way handing-down of wisdom (which ultimately leads to stagnation) — they’re an exchange.
“A sector of our size simply can’t afford to operate in silos, and days like this are what turn a collection of individual brands into something that behaves like an industry,” Audsley continued. “There’s a nice logic to holding it [Insider Talks] alongside the UK Watch Awards: the afternoon and the evening are two halves of the same idea. One builds the collective capacity of the sector and the other celebrates what that capacity produces!” he concluded
Benc reflected on his own experience as a start-up business. “Back in 2021 I reached out cold to a handful of founders — Nicholas at Fears, Paul at Farer, Mike at Christopher Ward — fully expecting to be ignored. Instead every one of them gave me their time. If I can do the same for the next generation of brands coming through, I’ll consider that a worthwhile contribution.”
Bowman-Scargill, owner of Bristol-based Fears, added: “One of the great strengths of British watchmaking has always been the spirit of collaboration that exists alongside healthy competition. Fears has certainly benefited from the generosity of many people throughout our journey, and I feel a genuine responsibility to contribute to that same culture for those following us.”
“The fact that these discussions take place on the same day as the UK Watch Awards feels particularly appropriate. The afternoon is an opportunity to reflect, learn and look towards the future, whilst the evening celebrates the achievements of the people and brands that are helping shape the future of British watchmaking,” he said.
Access to Insider Talks is available for free to anyone with a ticket for the UK Watch Awards, while access specifically to the afternoon panel discussions will be on general sale in the coming weeks, when the other panel lineups will also be announced.
