More links to region as Ramsdens chain grows

THE UK's largest independent pawnbrokers has continued its expansion with the opening of two new stores in East Yorkshire.

Over the past month, Ramsdens has created six jobs, with the opening of a new branch in Belgravia, Goole and a second in Hull.

The move, which increases Ramsdens's national store count to 115, follows the opening of a new store in Scunthorpe in September, creating a further three jobs.

And, for Hull-based employee Melissa McDougall, the opening of Ramsdens in Hessle Road presents a case of case of déjà vu as she was previously employed in the same premises by Uncles pawnbroking business.

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She is joined at the new store by fellow new recruit Wendy Ashby and store manager Paul Bishoprick, who is transferring from a similar role in Bridlington.

Ramdens chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "Ramsdens is a 21st-century pawnbroker with a wide range of services.

"As a source of finance, pawnbroking has always been popular, both in good and bad times.

"We are sure it will be a similar case in our new branches within the Hull and Humber region."

Having achieved a £50m turnover last year – a year-on-year growth of 52 per cent – Ramsdens has increased from 26 branches at the end of 2008 to a total of 115, with plans to double in size over the next three to five years.

The new Hull store adds to an existing branch in Holderness Road and as well as being a pawnbrokers and jewellers, the stores also offer cheque-cashing, short-term loans and commission-free foreign currency, as well as buying gold, silver and unwanted mobile phones.

Paul White, associate director for office, retail and leisure at Garness Jones, helped with its expansion.

He said: "Ramsdens is a bright, fast-growing business which, in taking these three new outlets, has made a strong and long-term commitment to our region."