Mark Adlestone, OBE DL, 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 prestigious UK Jewellery Awards on Thursday 29th June, where Beaverbrooks was also crowned Retail Employer of the Year 2017.
Respected and admired across both the industry and the business world for his commercial and strategic acumen, as well as for developing great loyalty among those who work for him, Adlestone has picked up a raft of honours for his exemplary leadership skills and for wielding strong influence on the communities in which we live in today.
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% 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.
Even in the glow of his own successes, Adlestone, who was recently appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, is also keen to support others. He dedicates one day a week to his charity and communal work, which includes his role as Chairman of The Fed: the leading social and welfare organisation within the Jewish community of Greater Manchester.
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.
“Mark is a caring and compassionate multi-talented individual who inspires and makes a huge difference to so many people’s lives, and we are honoured and privileged to have such a distinguished person in both our business and the wider industry.
“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.”
Lancashire-based Beaverbrooks is an award-winning family owned jewellers since 1919 with 69 stores across the UK, providing exceptional quality jewellery, diamonds and watches.
