Sixty Years Of Gold
Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer, a family-run business with a rich history, has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the UK’s leading bullion dealers. Ali Gudgeon finds out more about the secret to its success
Founded in 1964 by Lawrence Chard, the business has grown from a small shop in Blackpool to one of the biggest bullion dealers in the United Kingdom. With expansions, including a prestigious London office in Hatton Garden, and a commitment to integrity, Chards offers unparalleled service and expertise, making it the premier choice for bullion investors.
Born and bred in Blackpool, Lawrence Chard realised from an early age that there was profit to be made from coins. The grandson of a penny arcade owner, Lawrence started working in the family business at just seven years old. One of his first jobs was emptying the machines and sorting the coins on Blackpool Promenade and that is how Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer began!
A regular customer to the arcades gave Lawrence and his cousin Robert Alan Chard a buying list of pennies and other British coins, and from this R. & L. Coins was born in 1964. A two-man business built on honesty, trust, transparency, and integrity opened in a tiny shop at 10 Dale Street. When Robert went to university aged 19 in 1965, he sold his share to Lawrence.
With a keen interest in numismatics and a commitment to ethical business practices, Lawrence continued to grow the business and hasn’t stopped since! A self-confessed workaholic, he is involved in every aspect of the business and it’s very much a family affair, with his wife, son and daughter all playing vital roles in the day-to-day running of the business.
Lawrence explains: “My work is very varied and can include grading coins, identifying fakes, sales and purchases and of course financial planning. I keep up to date with all the latest business and industry news and of course world affairs.”
Thanks to his strong work ethic, Chards is now celebrating its 60th year in operation and with six decades of experience in the coin and bullion industry, Chards has become a trusted name in the Lancashire community and beyond.
Lawrence adds: “First opening in Blackpool in 1968, our Lytham Road location became a cornerstone of Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer’s operations, offering a wider range of products and more personalised service to our expanding clientele.
“I was just 20 years old when we opened our first premises and it served us well for over 40 years, but we eventually outgrew it. When our Lytham Road premises was being refurbished in 1968, two elderly ladies walked past and remarked, ‘that’ll never last!’ – we are pleased to have proved them wrong. In fact, we have probably outlived them!
“This new space allowed for a broader selection of bullion and collectible coins, meeting the growing demands of our customers. The opening of this store marked a significant expansion and demonstrated our commitment to adapting and growing with the market.”
As the digital age dawned, Chards embraced the opportunities it presented by launching an online platform in 1999. They were among the first in the UK to offer bullion products through an E-commerce site, setting a precedent for the industry.
After 50 years in business, Chards expanded to a new showroom in Harrowside in the seaside town and remains their current home. Now celebrating 60 years of trusted service, Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer opened a new office in London’s prestigious Hatton Garden in early 2024.
Lawrence adds: “This strategic move represents our dedication to providing unparalleled service to clients across the UK, with a physical presence in both the North and the South of England. The Hatton Garden office is poised to cater to a diverse clientele, offering the same level of integrity and expertise that has defined our business since its inception.”
Thanks to their commitment to providing exceptional service, backed by a wealth of experience and a strong family business ethos, Chards has a formidable reputation for reliability and integrity in the bullion industry. Earlier this year, Chards became a full member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the independent authority overseeing the global precious metals market. Something not all its competitors can boast.
Lawrence also likes to share his knowledge and educate others. The company’s website houses a number of blogs, from a guide for UK bullion investors, through to exploring £100,000 in fake gold sovereigns. He also set up a YouTube channel where he shares behind-the-scenes videos, words of wisdom and useful guides.
As Chards looks forward to the next 60 years, the company remains dedicated to providing the highest quality coins, bullion, and service to its customers. With a strong foundation built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to excellence, Chards is well-positioned to continue serving the coin and bullion community for many years to come.
Lawrence concludes: “Our vision for the future includes expanding our product offerings, leveraging technological advancements to enhance customer experience, and continuing to build lasting relationships based on trust and reliability. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to helping our customers navigate the evolving landscape of precious metals investment.”
Chards
32-36 Harrowside, Blackpool FY4 1RJ
01253 343081
chards.co.uk
