The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) today announced the launch of its new website (www.thenpa.com).
The move is in the latest step in a series of actions by the NPA to provide improved resources and technical help to pawnbrokers in their new members’ area, to support the media with relevant information and to explain how pawnbroking works to the general public. The new ‘ find a pawnbroker’ feature helps customers find their local pawnbrokers who are NPA members on a map and both the police and government including FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and the Financial Ombudsman Service will be encouraged to use the site to verify membership.
The website is the latest development in a programme of activity which has seen member benefits increase, templates and support developed to ensure members comply with regulation, and a new online qualification, the Certificate in Pawnbroking Excellence, and suite of professional development courses, such as training for Anti Money Laundering procedures.
NPA Chief Executive, Ray Perry, said:
“The new site helps our members keep up to date with their profession and aids customers in finding their local member. It is a one stop shop for the authorities and pawnbrokers alike and demonstrates the professionalism of our industry. Our new website is part of a series of steps the NPA is making to both support members and to demonstrate to those outside the industry that the 21st century pawnbroker is a professional who customers can trust”.
The site is mobile friendly and has social media feeds. It also includes;
- Search facility and local maps to help customers find their local NPA member
- Easy to follow explanations of how pawnbroking works
- A new members only area with easy to navigate reports, templates and support materials.
The launch is timely as most members will be seeking full permission to trade as part of the FCA process over the first quarter of 2016.
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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 £930m loan market growing year on year. 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 Consumer Credit Act 1974.