Kay Bradley, owner of Bradley’s Jewellers in Low Petergate was named Retail Leader at the Professional Jeweller Awards in Central London on Sunday (September 1) cementing her business among the UK’s best independent jewellers.
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This is the second time that Kay has scooped this coveted award, following a double win in the Retail Leader and Independent Fine Jewellery Retailer of the Year categories at the Professional Jeweller Awards in 2023.
Kay faced stiff competition on the night from renowned names, including Watches of Switzerland Group President of UK and Europe, Craig Bolton; Boodles President Nicholas Wainwright; Robert Ambord, Chief Jewellery Officer at Bucherer Group; Adam Jacobs of Jacobs the Jewellers in Reading, and Astrid & Miyu Founder Connie Nam. According to Professional Jeweller magazine, this category “shines a light on an individual blazing a trail in the jewellery trade, innovating in order to get results for their company”.
Kay said: “To win this incredible award for the second consecutive year is a dream come true and is a testament to the fearless and ambitious approach I have taken since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was determined to make waves and transform Bradley’s Jewellers York into a nationally recognised powerhouse. I think I can finally say I have achieved my aims.”
The Professional Jeweller Awards, supported by headline sponsor eBay, are organised by the eponymous trade magazine and voted for by members of the UK jewellery industry. The awards ceremony took place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Central London, welcoming retailers, industry leaders, brand representatives and thought leaders from across the jewellery trade.
Kay was recognised for numerous initiatives that have showcased her willingness to collaborate, think outside the box, and raise awareness of local causes. Examples include the annual York Ice Trail for which Bradley’s commissions a six-foot frozen sculpture to engage audiences and host successful competitions. The business was also praised for its ‘Yorkshire Rose Afternoon Tea’ experience, hosted in association with esteemed jewellery house Fabergé and in partnership with Michelin Star chef Andrew Pern of York Minster Refectory throughout Easter 2024.
Elsewhere, the magazine noted Bradley’s Jewellers York’s ties to North Yorkshire-based stately home, Castle Howard, which has hosted a Bradley’s fine jewellery concession since April 2023. A dedicated springtime jewellery display in Castle Howard’s prominent Courtyard Window presented Bradley’s Jewellers’ key collections, such as York Daffodil, to thousands of visitors earlier this year.
The continuing partnership with Fabergé was also noted among Kay Bradley’s successes, including the upcoming official launch of the Fabergé x Bradley’s Christmas Robin Egg Surprise Locket and the Fabergé x Bradley’s Christmas Robin Egg Object. Both will be formally unveiled at a festive event at Castle Howard later this year.
Finally, Kay was recognised for her personal strength and resilience following a challenging year. Her son, Rupert, has recently been undergoing life changing treatment for a lower limb condition, which has added extra strain but dulled none of the business’ success.
Professional Jeweller Editor Rebecca Butler said: “In a year wrought with personal challenges, the Bradley’s Jewellers York team has reported a 20 per cent rise in pearl sales, launched an afternoon tea experience in collaboration with Michelin Star chef Andrew Pern, continued its award-winning collaboration with the House of Fabergé, and even joined the Responsible Jewellery Council – all under the steadfast leadership of owner Kay Bradley. Kay’s impact is felt far and wide – she is a true powerhouse in the field.”
Looking ahead, Kay will continue to champion medical causes by providing a raffle prize for the upcoming Celebration of Achievement Awards, hosted by York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity and the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at York Racecourse on Thursday, September 19.
She will also attend the National Association of Jewellers Awards on the evening of October 10, 2024, to see if Bradley’s Jewellers has won the ‘Team of the Year’ trophy.
