Pawnbroker sees end of golden run

A slowdown in the high street "gold rush" has left pawnbroker Albemarle & Bond facing its first drop in annual profits in two decades.

Albemarle's income from gold buying grew by 18% in the six months to June 30, compared with an "exceptional" 88% rise in the previous half year when households looked to raise cash by selling jewellery.%VIRTUAL-SkimlinksPromo%