We represent a substantial majority of pawnbrokers authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.
The NPA is a membership organisation that promotes best practice in pawnbroking. It was established in 1892, so it has a long tradition of helping members get the most from their businesses.
Despite being around for a long time, it is a modern, forward-thinking Association that uses the very latest technology to deliver the best service to its members.
The NPA was established in 1892 and has a long tradition of helping members get the most from their businesses.
The NPA Council comprises of 16 members, including pawnbrokers who represent both large commercial chains and independent stores. This mix of business size, knowledge and experience ensures that all parts of the industry are properly represented.
The Council normally meets three or four times a year to discuss and agree on how the industry can provide support and ongoing guidance to our members.
The Council reviews the benefits of membership to ensure they are attractive to both new and existing members. It formulates guidance policies to help develop and grow the industry, and represents members before government departments such as the FCA, Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, HMRC and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
The NPA is there to help members if they have a pawnbroking question they cannot answer and to help guide new members on how to be compliant with all rules and procedures. The NPA Awards are held annually to celebrate the best in the industry and the NPA Conference is a wonderful forum for networking with other pawnbrokers and learning about the latest developments in the industry.
Profile of the NPA
The NPA was founded in 1892 and incorporated in 1931 as a company limited by guarantee. In June 1989, with the benefit of almost a century of experience, it reviewed and re-wrote its original constitution. The Association is managed by its democratically elected Council and employs a Chief Executive and secretariat staff.
The Council
This consists of three Officers of the Association (the President, Vice-President and Treasurer) in total there are up to sixteen Council members (six of which are Corporate seats of those companies who have the largest annual subscription to the NPA), all of whom are active pawnbrokers.
The Council meets considers any problems which may have arisen, takes necessary action to maintain the high standards expected from members, and reviews recent changes in the law.
The Chief Executive
The Chief Executive, with his or her staff, manages the day to day running of the Association, with the aim of meeting the objectives of the Association by liaising closely with members, the Council and other internal/external stakeholders.
The NPA - Key Facts at a glance
- How many members: In excess of 900 outlets.
- How long has the NPA been established: Since 1982.
- Regulation of the pawnbroking industry: Pawnbrokers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, like all other lending businesses such as banks, or other online/high street lenders.
- Credit availability: Customers can prefer the speed and convenience of pawnbroking for small to larger sums of money over other High Street lenders.
- What does the NPA provide to members: Guidance which includes draft frameworks to build individual policies and procedures, and providing legal, marketing, security and insurance options.
- NPA Links: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the Financial Conduct Authority, Trading Standards, Financial Ombudsman, Home Office & Police Constabularies.
- Media: National and local radio, newspapers and television, gaining considerable free and high profile advertising for the industry and its members.
- Resources: The NPA produces a quarterly magazine, The Pawnbroker, along with regular e-newsletters to keep its members and other industry stakeholders in touch with what is happening.