AN INDEPENDENT jeweller in Reading has been named as the best jewellery retailer in the UK at a national awards ceremony.
Jacobs took the top award from the National Association of Jewellers at the ICC in Birmingham on Thursday, October 23.
At the ceremony, almost 400 jewellery industry professionals gathered to recognise and honour the best businesses, ideas and people from within the sector.
Among eight shortlisted, the Reading jeweller was given the top spot for best retailer after judges noted they were “impressed with bold innovation, community spirit and an independent identity.”
They also noted that Jacobs garnered the highest score from the mystery shop of all of the finalists.
The award is given to the most outstanding jewellery retailer that demonstrably meets the standards of professionalism, integrity and honesty and whose shops, both on the high street and online, clearly communicate the brand message.
Jacobs was also ‘Highly Commended’ in a second category, ‘Community Engagement of the Year’.
This celebrated its work fundraising over £44,000 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital Charity as well as a novel Christmas promotion with other independent businesses in Reading town centre.
Adam Jacobs, the store’s owner, said: “on behalf of the team, we’re absolutely delighted to have won this award, and genuinely honoured–thank you to the judges.
“We work tirelessly to provide a trusted, brilliant experience for our customers and to serve the Reading community in a wider sense.
“Even though we’ve been serving for over 75 years, it’s great to know we’re still doing the right things–we’re sure it’ll inspire us to do even more in the future.”
Ben Masey, Chief Executive Officer of the NAJ, said: “We are incredibly proud of our members who continue to set the standard for professionalism and excellence across our trade.
“With a record number of entries for the third-year running, being shortlisted for the NAJ Awards is a tremendous achievement.”
