At NPA Awards Dinner at the Victoria Park Plaza London on 14th October. The winners were as follows;
Employer of the Year H&T Group
The judges were particularly impressed with their focus on gender equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as their educational programme and staff forums.
The Lewy Group, a Cash Converters franchisee, were highly commended.
Best Store of the Year Mallards, Nottingham
Since the refurbishment programme in 2022, including private viewing rooms, retail sales and loans have significantly increased due to both the store look and feel and highly knowledgeable staff. The store boasts high levels of staff retention.
New Bond St. Pawnbrokers were Highly Commended for their use of social media to drive in-store business.
Community Contribution Vintage Pawnbrokers
Vintage Pawnbrokers have put the community at the heart of their business, they helped raise £1m for Ukraine, up-cycle old equipment for charities, and provide a free valuation service for charities receiving jewellery donations. They sponsor local boxing, golf events, and support local schools.
Employee of the Year- Sarah ‘Buzzy’ Buswell, Cash Shop
Sarah has achieved rapid promotion to store manager with being a young mum. She is extremely positive with excellent inter-personal skills, motivating staff and driving the business, hence her nickname ‘Buzzy.’
Student of the Year- Stephen McLachlan, Cash Converters
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.
Ray Perry, CEO of NPA said,
“The Awards this year have yet again demonstrated the professionalism and excellence in all the categories, making the judges decisions very difficult. The Awards demonstrate the professionalism of 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.