PAWNBROKERS’ WIN NPA NATIONAL AWARDS 2024
The National Pawnbrokers Association announced its Awards winners for 2024 at their Awards Dinner at the Hilton, Tower Bridge, London on Friday 11th October. The winners were as follows;
President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement- Stephen Dexter, Fish Brothers
This achievement is awarded to individuals who have dedicated their professional time to the cause of pawnbroking and have specifically excelled in supporting the pawnbroking industry. Stephen has been the Chairman of Fish Brother Group, which dates back to 1830, currently with 7 stores. Stephen joined the business in 1992 as a non-executive director and has been the Chairman since 2012. He has been in the pawnbroking industry for over 30 years and has been a director of the National Pawnbroking Association for over 10 years, taking on the role of President in 2016.
Student of the Year – Luke Fallon, Cash Exchange
This award is determined on achieving the highest marks in the NPA’s Excellence in Pawnbroking Certification. Students are required to complete 5 modules based on pawnbroking, law and compliance, and technical knowledge and jewellery.
Best Store of the Year – New Bond Street Pawnbrokers
Our judging panel selected this store due to their consistent development and evolvement over many years, their on-line offering progress and the great teamwork from all staff members, which was evidenced in their submission.
Employer of the Year - Cash Converters (UK) Stores Ltd
The business completed a successful transition during the past 12 months by adding a significant corporate footprint to their franchise business. Their application was comprehensive, encompassing the priority of an updated staff development program, which included internal and external options. The business evidenced consistent growth, which ensuring that the control frameworks remained in place to deliver good outcomes to their customers.
Employee of the Year – Ashima Malhotra , Lewy Group
For over 15 years Ashima has been at the spearhead of change within the Lewy Group and became a part owner. We were advised, “that the business would not be where is it now without her”. Ashima focused on being customer centric and was the regulatory and compliance lead. She was known for being the knowledge centre to all the stakeholders and stores within the Lewy Group.
Community Contribution Winner – Ramsdens Financial
Ramsdens application stood out due to the sheer number of charities during the year that they have supported. These included, loose coin scheme which donated to over 100 charities. Give a Duck Foundation, purchasing over 50 ducks. Food collections for hampers and Christmas gifts for disadvantaged families. It was evident that each and every store wanted to support others who were not as fortunate as themselves.
Highly Commended – Vintage Pawnbrokers for their commitment to supporting their community during the year.
Watch Pledging Best Practice – H&T
All stores check watches against the Watch Register, they are leaders when it comes to handling “Match” situations. Customers are professionally handled and stores always provide detailed reports to the Watch Register when a match occurs. H&T account for over 75% of all the Watch Registered NPA assisted recoveries.
Highly Commended – Miltons (Liverpool) Ltd who are an advocate of due diligence and are adept at spotting fake goods.
Peter Hall, CEO of NPA said,
“The Awards this year have again exhibited the commitment to the industry of our members to deliver the best service to our customers and our communities by supporting those in need. As a judge in my first year the quality and detail of the applications made it challenging for the panel to make our final decisions. We would like to thank all those who submitted their applications and appreciate your efforts in supporting our industry.”
-ENDS-
Contact
For more information or to arrange interviews with Peter Hall, 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.