TWENTY-FIVE years of successful business was topped off in style when Peter Jackson The Jeweller walked off with the Retailer of the Year award.
And the company has its committed and talented staff to thank for its continued success, according to director David Anderson.
Buying bravely and keeping an eye on fashion trends is the ethos of Peter Jackson, which was set up in 1982 in Preston before a branch was opened in The Mall, Blackburn, in 1987.
The company scours the world for products, which has led to the firm being the only jeweller in the UK permitted to sell Canadian Arctic diamonds, which come with a certificate of authentication from the Canadian Government.
However, its managers also fervently believe the right staff have to be employed to sell the right product.
Nine of the company's staff have a Professional Jewellers' Diploma - four of whom qualified with a distinction.
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Earlier this year Sharon Bibby, manager of the Black-burn branch, was named store manager of the year at the National Jeweller awards.
Mr Anderson said: "Winning this award in the year of our silver jubilee makes it all the more special, but a lot of the credit must go to our wonderful, highly qualified staff.
"Customer service has been the cornerstone of the business over the past 25 years, and we pride ourselves on the training we invest in for our staff."
It was this commitment to staff development and consistent high quality that convinced the judges.
But Mr Anderson also paid tribute to their fiercely loyal customers as an essential part of their continued success.
"Customers who come to us for their engagement rings come back for their wedding rings, and christening presents - if you deliver the right products and service to them the first time round. East Lancashire people are incredibly loyal."
Scottish-born Mr Anderson said: "I've worked in other areas of the country, and East Lancashire folk are some of the warmest and most genuine I've come across."
As the company looks to its next 25 years, there are plans to continue with staff development so that they always have an eye on what's new and popular - this year they will be scouring the fairs at Birmingham, London, Basel, Las Vegas, Vicenza and New York in search of new ideas.
The company also takes part in charity events including an annual sports dinner which raises about £20,000 for the Prince's Trust.
Mr Anderson added: "To anyone starting a new business, regardless of its size, I would say to get involved in the comm-unity as much as you can, it's rewarding in so many ways."
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