JEWELLER Roy Perrett knows he works for a gem of a firm!

He manages Prestons shop in Bradshawgate, Leigh, and the company was presented with the Independent Retailer of the Year Award at a glittering ceremony in London.

The honour came at the annual UK Jewellery Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on Park Lane.

Said Mr Perrett: "This is a wonderful and just reward for all who have served the company - past and present.

"We at Leigh are proud to be part of this achievement. The Leigh branch has been part of Prestons since 1955 where I have been proud to serve as man and boy."

The company, which has dramatically increased its profit, also reached the finals of the Best Marketing Initiative by a Retailer.

The awards, now in their fifth year, are organised by the industry publication retail Jeweller and British Jeweller and sponsored by watch distributor SMH.

They aim to reward the best in the industry from products to suppliers and retailers.

Jacqui Boddington, group editor of Retail Jeweller and British Jeweller, said: "Every year support and enthusiasm for the awards grows and against hot competition those who win can be very proud of their achievements."

More than 800 people were at the awards evening, where 18 trophies were handed out to the industry's top achievers.

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