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.
Financial and Legal 
