Albemarle & Bond was founded in Bristol in 1983 as a pawnbroking service. The largest part of the business was, and remains, the issue of loans against the security of gold jewellery and diamonds.

 

Through internal growth and strategic acquisition the business continues to grow. Following major strategic funding in 1998 the company doubled in size and is now the largest pawnbroker in the UK with 114 stores nationwide under its Cheque and Pawn and Herbert Brown fascias. While remaining committed to its pawnbroking origins, the company is continuing to improve its business model by adding complementary products and services.

 

Albemarle & Bond has become a major retailer of second-hand and new gold jewellery, and has added two further strands to the loan business, namely Third-Party Cheque Cashing and Micro-Loans (PDAs - PayDay Advances).

 

These additional income streams now generate as much net income as the original pawn business. Further expansion of the business is being actively pursued.