PAWNBROKERS’ WIN NPA NATIONAL AWARDS 2023-24
The National Pawnbrokers Association announced its Awards winners for 2023-24 at their Awards Dinner at the Hilton, Tower Bridge, London on Friday 13th October. The winners were as follows;
Best Store of the Year Prestige Pawnbrokers- Weybridge
The judges were particularly impressed with their focus on their eye catching store presentation and their focus on their redemption rate and customer care delivered with great teamwork from their 4 staff members.
Employer of the Year Ramsdens Financial Ltd
The firm has a core focus on engagement and professional development of staff with an excellent staff forum and well-being programme. Feedback through their staff engagement survey was extremely positive with 91% finding their work a happy place, and the monthly ‘golden ticket’ rewards for ‘going the extra mile’ has been very successful with 480 awards made in the first 3 months of the scheme.
Highly Commended- New Bond St Pawnbrokers for their use of social media to drive business.
Employee of the Year- Rachel Fox- Suttons & Robertsons-South Kensington
Rachel constantly drives for excellence for customers and the business, she has been instrumental in significantly increasing business in-store and is constantly mentioned by customers for the great service she provides. She also took the leading role in the TV show ‘Millionaire Hoarders’ on Channel 4 whilst studying for and passing her Gem A Diamond Diploma exams, for which she received a distinction.
Community Contribution- Second Chance- Rhyll
The firm are founding supporters of a charity called the Genie’s Wish Charity which they have been fundamental partners in helping to support and promote. The charity provides help to terminally ill patients and young carers and raises funds to grant as many wishes as possible.
Student of the Year- David Ridley, Wants Cash Centre
This award is based on achieving top marks in the NPA’s Excellence in Pawnbroking Certification.
Students study 5 modules based on pawnbroking, law and compliance, and technical knowledge of metals and jewellery.
President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement- Richard Hunnisett, Mallards Pawnbrokers
This accolade is only given to those who have dedicated their professional time to the cause of pawnbroking and have specifically excelled in helping or serving the NPA. Richard owns the family pawnbroker Mallard Pawnbrokers, established in 1990 with 12 stores across the UK. He has been involved in the pawnbroking industry for over 30 years and has served as a director of The National Pawnbrokers’ Association twice.
Ray Perry, CEO of NPA said,
“The Awards this year have again demonstrated the professionalism and excellence of our pawnbroker members, making the judges job very hard. We would like to thank all those who entered and are delighted with the high calibre of achievement across the industry.”
-ENDS-
Contact
For more information or to arrange interviews with Ray Perry, please contact us on 07735 886930
Notes for Editors
The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) was founded in 1892 and is the trade association representing pawnbrokers, from the large chains through to independents, in a £500m loan market. It is the authoritative voice of the pawnbroking industry in the UK. The NPA stands for expertise, fairness and transparency, professionalism and excellence. All our members are bound by our rules and a customer code of conduct. Pawnbroking is part of the credit industry and is regulated alongside banks and other lenders by the Financial Conduct Authority.