 |
The National Pawnbrokers Association |
|
The NPA 79th AGM & Conference |
 |
Lancaster London Hotel, London, Friday October 8th 2010
The NPA cordially invites you to this year's conference and Awards Dinner which promise to be the best ever.
We have a very interesting line-up of speakers who are sure to grab your attention and give you a great insight into the industry. The main topics of this year’s conference will explain the steps you will need to take to comply with the latest legislation to affect our industry including the Consumer Credit Directive. We will also offer practical advice on how you can get the most from your NPA subscription. Most of the speakers have agreed to be available throughout the day, to ensure you get plenty of opportunities to ask them specific questions during the breaks.
We had excellent feedback from last year's conference and we are using those comments to ensure this year’s event is even better. Registration will begin at 9.30am with the President’s welcome and AGM starting at 10.30am to ensure that all members can make it on time. As always, new members are particularly welcomed. This is a great opportunity to network with experienced pawnbrokers and learn how to get your businesses growing quickly.
The food is superb, both at lunch and for the dinner. Of course we know you come primarily to learn something and to network with colleagues, but the occasion is much more pleasant if you are also very well fed.
|
|
 |
|
NPA Awards Dinner
The evening starts with a Champagne Reception at 6.30pm with the Awards Dinner commencing at 7.30pm. It is a Black Tie event with many delegates bringing their partners and colleagues for a great night out. The NPA Awards are a great way to get your hard work - and that of your staff - recognised by your peers. Just think of the motivational effect on your staff should they be nominated and the PR opportunities with your local press or radio should you win. Look out for the entry forms on the members' area of the website or give Des Milligan a ring to discuss. Due to the generosity of our sponsors it is free to enter. You will also be able to pick up a FREE photograph of you (and your partner) as a memento of the evening.
Don't forget to bring some folding money with you, because NSPCC will be asking you to support their raffle and auction as generously as you all did last year when over £16,000 was raised for this great cause.
Apart from wonderful food and some very passable wines the evening is also packed full of entertainment for your enjoyment.
|
|
|
|
 |
Paul Zerdin - a ventriloquist with a rare talent
We are delighted that Paul Zerdin, a young and gifted ventriloquist will entertain us after Dinner. He is extremely funny and has a host of live shows and television appearances behind him. These include The Royal Variety Performance, Comedy Rocks, Talking Telephone Numbers, Comic Relief, The Big Breakfast and Dame Shirley Bassey’s 60th tribute. We think you will love his act.
Here are some press comments:
"If you think the words 'brilliant' and 'ventriloquist' have no place in the same sentence, go and see Paul Zerdin for some brutal re-education"
Hot Tickets, Evening Standard
"...just to underline that the big names were not going to have it all their own way, the loudest applause went to Paul Zerdin"
The Times
|
|
|
|
 |
Dance the rest of the night away with Groove Machine!
After the sumptuous Dinner, the prestigious Awards Presentations and the delights of Paul Zerdin, the evening's entertainment continues for all you music and dance enthusiasts. This year we welcome the fantastic Groove Machine who are guaranteed to thrill you with their energetic and exciting performances of classic songs from across the decades including Motown Classics, 70's Disco, Soul, 80's, 90's and present day chart hits.
|
|
|
|
The 2009 NPA Conference and Awards Dinner in pictures
|
|
|
 |
Lancaster London hotel
The NPA thinks it is important to welcome members and their guests to a really comfortable hotel, with superb food and a great location. We think you'll love the Lancaster London. The staff really understand our needs and your feedback from last year's conference was excellent.
Location
Adjacent to Lancaster Gate underground station (Central Line) and five minutes walk from Paddington main line station it has Hyde Park, the largest of the Royal Parks, directly to the south, and vistas east to the City of London. The hotel has, arguably the best views in London.
Marble Arch and the Oxford Street shops are a five-minute stroll with Knightsbridge and Harrods just 10 minutes by taxi. Even Heathrow Airport is only a 20-minute ride on the Heathrow Express from the nearby Paddington Railway Station.
|
|
 |
Bedrooms
All rooms are air-conditioned and double-glazed to give you a tranquil place away from London's bustle. But, what really sets the Lancaster London Hotel apart are the small, but important details such as the fluffy white bathrobe awaiting you in the marble bathroom. |
|
Restaurants
The Lancaster London Hotel boasts two outstanding restaurants: Nipa, a Thai restaurant, and Island Restaurant & Bar, a stylish contemporary split-level space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hyde Park.
For traditional afternoon tea, light snacks and drinks enjoy the comfort of the Lounge and Lounge Bar. For NPA Members staying overnight there is 24-hour Room Service offering a wide selection of meals. |
 |
Island Restaurant & Bar
Offering the best of Modern British cuisine, Island's menu focuses on fresh seasonal produce sourced from the British Isles with sumptuous dishes.
Even the cocktails proudly include British ingredients and the wine list features bins from English vineyards. |
 |
Nipa Bar
Nipa, is the hotel's award-winning Thai restaurant. It is said to be one of the most authentic Thai eating experiences in Europe. |
|
|
|
|
Getting there
Heathrow: 15 miles. 45 minutes by road. 20 minutes by Heathrow Express Train.
Gatwick: 30 miles. 1.5 hours by road.
Heathrow Express by Paddington Station: 5 minutes walk.
London Underground: Lancaster Gate station (Central Line) adjacent to hotel.
Parking: On-site car park with 100 spaces (payable).
Motorway Network: M4 and M40 within 5 miles.
Entertainment/Shopping: 5 minutes walk to Marble Arch and Oxford Street.
Knightsbridge/Harrods: 10 minutes by taxi.
Room Rate for NPA members (Thursday 7th, Friday 8th & Saturday 9th October)
Superior Single room is £125.00 excl. VAT (includes breakfast)
Superior Double room is £144.00 excl. VAT (includes breakfast for two)
Other room types are available on request
Please complete the booking form sent to you or click HERE to download the form and return directly to the Lancaster London Hotel.
Our allocation of 100 rooms is available to book until 10th September, so please book early to avoid disappointment, as this is a busy hotel.
After this date any unsold rooms will be released and guests may still book bedrooms if available, but will be offered the best available rate at the time of booking.
A hotel booking form will be mailed to all members so that rooms can be booked in advance.
Parking
The Lancaster London Hotel has its own car park with 100 spaces available to guests. The congestion charge zone includes the roads surrounding the Royal Lancaster.
|
|
|
|
