Adlestone wins top jewellery award

Mark Adlestone, chairman of Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, has been named the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Jewellery Industry Award 2017.

The announcement was made at the UK Jewellery Awards where Beaverbrooks was also crowned Retail Employer of the Year 2017.

Mark joined the third-generation family-owned jewellery retailer in 1979 and in his 38 years at the helm of Beaverbrooks, has shaped the company into the success it is today. Most notably for his values of corporate philanthropy and Beaverbrooks featuring in The Sunday Times list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, for 14 consecutive years.

Charity-figurehead Mark, who was awarded an OBE for his services to business and charity in the North of England in 2015, introduced the concept of charitable giving within the company through the creation of The Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust and established the donation of 20 per cent of Beaverbrooks’ post-tax and post-distribution profits to charities.

Recognised as ‘UK’s Best Leader’ by The Sunday Times no fewer than five times, Mark actively encourages and empowers all 900+ of his employees to support charities either by fundraising or volunteering their time. The company also hosts annual charity fundraisers and, as a result of all these charitable efforts, since the year 2000 the business has donated an excess of £11m to over 400 charities.

Anna Blackburn, CEO of Beaverbrooks said: “Mark’s achievements are truly remarkable and I can think of no one more worthy to be recognised and applauded by the industry through this special award.

“This well-deserved recognition marks another significant milestone to his already impressive career history and he will continue to demonstrate exemplary leadership and enrich people’s lives.” Mark Adlestone said: “I feel truly honoured to win this award. It has been my great privilege to work in such a wonderful and unique industry for 38 hugely enjoyable years and I fully intend to continue doing so for many years in the future. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all my wonderful colleagues at Beaverbrooks and indeed within our entire industry.”

Read Lancashire Business View's exclusive interview with Mark Adlestone in edition 65.