The company now owns three shops in the arcade, specialising in diamonds and jewellery as well as watches, and employs 21 staff.“I was quite arty at school, I did graphic design at Glasgow College of Building and Printing for a couple of years before I decided it wasn’t for me,” he explains.“Deep down, though, I always had a passion for watches, and I think that’s what got me interested in the family business. I was about 18 when I first joined.
“You can’t be half-hearted. I’m delighted the sixth generation of the family are interested in joining the business, but we want to make sure they understand that before they decide if this is really what they want to do.” The jewellery business has changed considerably since his great-great-grandfather’s days, says Simon.