Jewel in the crown as family Yorkshire business returns to its roots

Jewellery specialist Bradleys is celebrating the opening of its eighth Yorkshire store – in Helmsley.

Established originally as Bradleys Antique Exports in 1970 by husband and wife Peter and Janet Bradley, the business evolved into Bradleys Jewellers, and has grown over the past 50 years. It sells quality, classic and contemporary jewellery and high end watch brands.

Before its latest opening, the business had two stores in York, two in Northallerton, and one each in Harrogate, Wetherby and Scarborough.

Its Helmsley store is located in the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop on Bridge Street.

Helmsley has strong ancestral connections for the family. Peter Bradley senior’s grandfather lived in Bondgate and farmed in the area.

Peter Bradley Jnr said: “We are returning to our roots with this new store, an ideal location from which to continue the growth of our business.

“We have committed a huge investment to the re-development of this fine building, maintaining the heritage features whilst giving it a facelift for the future.

“Helmsley is a vibrant and commercially active town, and we are happy to be investing in its future as well as that of our business.”

Supporting Janet and Peter Snr in moving the business forward is the second generation of the Bradley family; eldest son Peter Jnr assists in supervising and overseeing the stores, youngest son Michael, is a GIA Registered Diamond Appraiser designing exclusive collections of fine jewellery and daughter Kay, an award winning jeweller, has her own store, Bradleys Ltd, on Petergate in York.

Peter Bradley Snr and Janet Bradley are the two joint directors of the business, with Janet involved on a daily basis, while Peter Snr attends to all back office and invoicing requirements.

Peter Jnr added: “Part of our re-structured business plan has been, wherever possible, to acquire larger freehold properties that are local landmarks.

“This offers our brand more presence on the high street, but it also helps protect the buildings and our heritage.

“We have traded successfully in Barkers Arcade in Northallerton for 40 years and are really proud to support the towns in which we do business.”

Peter Wright, star of popular Channel 5 documentary series, The Yorkshire Vet, officially opened the new Helmsley

Veterinary surgeon Peter began working with world-famous vet and author Alfred Wight, better known as James Herriot, at a practice in nearby Thirsk in 1982.

Chairman of Helmsley Town Council, Councillor Val Arnold, accompanied by vice-chairman, Councillor Carol Swift, were on hand to meet visitors to the store.

Cllr Arnold said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bradleys have chosen Helmsley as the location for their beautiful new store. They have done a superb job renovating a prime location in the town centre and we are so pleased to have them here.”