This week Nick talks to Chris Gillespie.
Chris’s career in financial services spans over 40 years. He brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles within consumer finance businesses. Prior to joining H&T, Chris served as Managing Director of the consumer credit division at Provident Financial PLC. Chris maintains a strong interest in matters affecting the wider industry and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Nick and Chris discuss his extensive career in financial services, beginning at Barclays Bank and spanning several leadership roles including at Provident Financial. He shares insights into the unique hybrid model of H&T, which blends financial services and retail, operating across 285 stores nationwide. Chris highlights the evolving perception and customer base of pawnbroking in the UK, the simplicity and accessibility of its loan model, and its growing role in small business financing. He also discusses H&T’s broader services—including foreign exchange, retail of pre-owned jewellery and watches, and cheque cashing—all aimed at increasing store footfall. Emphasising the business’s community roots, counter-cyclical nature, and expansion potential, Chris notes the importance of trusted staff and store locations. The company remains focused on UK growth through store expansion and technology investment, with a strong commitment to customer service and transparency.
Chris’ book choice was:
Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien
A Different Perspective is a Zeus podcast, hosted by Nick Searle, Co-Head of Equity Sales. Here, Nick interviews interesting characters from the world of business and finance, to uncover a different perspective.
Zeus is an independent financial services group working across public and private capital markets in the UK. We work alongside many of the most exciting businesses in the UK and we are passionate about supporting our clients. This podcast is a series of interviews with interesting characters from the world of business and finance, uncovering a different perspective.
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