Chief executive Peter Kenyon said the 175-shop group is in a “great position”

High street pawnbroker Ramsdens has hailed the diversity in its model as it reports a significant leap in half year revenue and profits.

The Teesside-based chain, which runs 175 shops across the country, continues to benefit from high gold prices but has also pointed to its multi-service offer which includes new and used jewellery and watches and travel money. New, unaudited half-year results for the London Stock Exchange-listed firm show revenue of £83.7m in the six months to the end of March, up from £51.6m in the same period last year.

Meanwhile pre-tax profits soared to £16.7m, compared with £6.1m, and operating was £17.1m, up from £6.5m. The growth was driven by a 130% increase in gross profits for the group’s precious metals buying operation to £17.5m, a 31% increase in gross profits in its jewellery retail business to £26.1m and 18% growth in gross pawnbroking profit to £7.3m.

Ramsdens described many of its established shops as “cash cows” which require minimal capital investment. Plans to open between eight to 12 new stores in its current financial year remain on track, with recent launches in Abergavenny and Ashford and new sites being prepared in Newark, Hereford and Skegness.

Peter Kenyon, chief executive, said: “The group is in a great position. While the gold profits grab the headlines, the group has also delivered gross profit growth of 18% in pawnbroking and 31% in retail jewellery. Customer numbers in FX continue to be strong with total currency exchanged broadly flat.

“The group has maintained a conservative approach to pawnbroking loan to value ratio and provides additional interest rate reductions assisting customers in financial difficulty. The strong profits we are generating are funding the growth in our working capital assets and an accelerated new store opening program, as well as rewarding shareholders with an increased dividend.”

Ramsdens’ half-year gains came despite increased overheads including greater staff costs as its headcount has grown, as well as a pay review which saw the group adopt the Real Living Wage as its entry level pay. It told investors that employment costs have been increasing by about 10% per year in recent years.

Mr Kenyon added: “Whilst the economic backdrop remains challenging with increasing employment costs, high interest rates and continued inflation, we remain highly confident in our opportunity to further strengthen the performance of our existing stores while adding new locations, executing against our established long-term growth strategy. Our balance sheet remains strong and our high level of cash generation provides options on how we allocate our capital to achieve growth.

“I’d like to thank the whole Ramsdens team for their continued focus on providing a great service and helping customers in their everyday lives.”

Victor Wembanyama has etched his name alongside NBA legends Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, becoming just the third player in league history to lead his team in playoff scoring entering the NBA Finals at age 22 or younger.

The San Antonio Spurs’ 22-year-old superstar has emerged as a dominant two-way force in the 2026 playoffs, powering the franchise to an unexpected Finals appearance against the New York Knicks. Through the postseason, Wembanyama has tallied 394 points, outpacing teammate Stephon Castle by 49 points despite missing one first-round game.

The official NBA account highlighted the achievement, noting Wembanyama’s place in an exclusive group with Bryant and James. This milestone underscores the rapid ascent of a player once considered the most hyped prospect in NBA history, now delivering on that promise at an elite level during his third professional season.

The Spurs have exceeded expectations in 2025-26. Many analysts predicted a playoff appearance as the young core matured, but few foresaw a Western Conference title that included a series victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. San Antonio’s surprising run reflects careful roster construction centered on Wembanyama’s unique skill set.

Wembanyama’s statistical dominance extends beyond raw scoring. His postseason averages of 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game demonstrate impact on both ends of the floor. His ability to protect the rim while stretching defenses with perimeter shooting has created matchup problems throughout the playoffs, particularly in the conference finals where he averaged 27.3 points.

At 7-foot-4 with exceptional coordination and basketball IQ, Wembanyama blends size rarely seen with guard-like skills. His willingness to attempt threes in crucial moments, including a game-changing 30-footer in the Western Conference finals, reflects growing confidence and clutch reliability expected from franchise cornerstones.

The Spurs organization has taken a patient approach to building around their young star. Rather than aggressive trades, the team prioritized the draft. In Wembanyama’s rookie season, the Spurs endured a difficult campaign that allowed them to select Castle with the fourth overall pick in 2024. A season-ending injury to a key player in year two further improved their draft position, leading to the addition of Dylan Harper.

This methodical strategy has produced a complementary roster. Castle has developed into a reliable secondary scorer and defender, averaging 19.2 points and 6.7 assists in the playoffs. Harper and other young pieces provide depth and athleticism that fit Wembanyama’s timeline. The front office’s restraint in the trade market preserved assets while allowing organic growth.

San Antonio’s path to the Finals involved overcoming higher-seeded teams through defensive intensity and balanced scoring. Wembanyama’s two-way presence proved decisive in several closeout games, where his shot-blocking altered opponent strategies and his scoring bursts shifted momentum.

Comparisons to Bryant and James carry weight given their championship pedigrees. Bryant led the Lakers into the 2000 Finals at age 21, while James did so with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007 at age 22. Both players went on to win multiple titles and earn Hall of Fame careers. Wembanyama now shares their distinction of carrying scoring load at a remarkably young age in the game’s premier stage.

This achievement arrives amid broader discussions about player development and franchise building. The Spurs, with five championships in franchise history, appear positioned for sustained contention. Their emphasis on drafting and development contrasts with teams relying on superstar acquisitions, offering a blueprint for long-term success.

Wembanyama’s maturity has impressed observers. Despite the massive expectations following his 2023 draft selection, he has handled scrutiny with poise. His work ethic, defensive instincts and offensive versatility have silenced early skeptics who questioned his frame or adaptability to NBA physicality.

The 2026 Finals matchup against the Knicks presents new challenges. New York features a balanced attack led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and strong perimeter defenders. Containing Wembanyama will require coordinated efforts, likely involving help rotations and physicality to limit his paint touches and three-point attempts.

For the Spurs, reaching the Finals validates their timeline. What many viewed as a multi-year rebuild has accelerated into immediate contention. Credit goes to coaching staff for maximizing personnel and to players for buying into team concepts that elevate Wembanyama without overburdening him.

Beyond individual stats, Wembanyama’s leadership has grown. Teammates describe his vocal presence and ability to elevate those around him during critical stretches. His defensive communication and offensive gravity create opportunities for role players, a hallmark of transcendent stars.

The NBA landscape increasingly favors versatile big men. Wembanyama exemplifies this evolution, combining traditional center duties with modern perimeter skills. His block rate and rebounding numbers rank among the league’s best, while his assist totals reflect improved playmaking.

Looking ahead, a strong Finals performance could further cement Wembanyama’s place among the league’s elite. Even in defeat, his postseason body of work marks significant progress. A championship would accelerate his trajectory toward MVP consideration and potential dynasty building in San Antonio.

The Spurs’ supporting cast development remains crucial. Sustaining this level requires health, chemistry and possible future additions through free agency or draft. For now, the focus stays on the present series and maximizing their opportunity on basketball’s biggest stage.

Wembanyama’s journey reflects the best of NBA storytelling — a generational talent joining a historic franchise and rapidly transforming expectations. From French professional leagues to NBA dominance, his path has been remarkably smooth despite the spotlight’s intensity.

Analysts project continued improvement as he gains experience. At 22, physical maturation and tactical refinement could elevate his game even higher. The league has witnessed few players with his combination of size, skill and basketball sense at such a young age.

For San Antonio fans, this Finals appearance revives memories of previous championship eras while building new ones. The team’s deliberate approach around Wembanyama has created excitement and belief in a bright future.

As the series unfolds, Wembanyama’s scoring leadership and all-around contributions will face their toughest test. Matching the achievements of Bryant and James in this statistical category places him in rare company. Delivering a championship would place him on an even more exclusive path.

The basketball world watches closely as a new superstar writes his chapter in NBA history. Victor Wembanyama’s rapid rise offers compelling evidence that exceptional talent, paired with smart organizational planning, can accelerate success in today’s league.

NEW YORK — Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson headline the 2026 NBA Finals MVP race as the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks prepare for a highly anticipated best-of-seven series that could define the next era of league stardom.

The Finals MVP award, known as the Bill Russell Trophy, carries special prestige because it is awarded exclusively to a champion — with one notable exception in 1969 when Jerry West won it despite a loss. This year’s matchup between two star-driven teams offers multiple candidates capable of claiming the honor alongside the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Wembanyama stands as the clear frontrunner on most MVP ladders entering the series. The 22-year-old Spurs phenom has dominated the postseason with averages of 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. His two-way impact, combining elite rim protection with perimeter shooting, positions him to control the outcome of games on both ends of the floor.

Few players reach the NBA Finals by their third season, a feat accomplished by legends such as Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Wembanyama joins that rare group through a combination of extraordinary talent, basketball IQ and competitive drive. His defensive presence alone forces opponents to alter shots and attack strategies, particularly around the rim where his length and timing disrupt even the most skilled finishers.

Offensively, Wembanyama has elevated his game in high-stakes moments. He averaged 27.3 points in the Western Conference finals and showed willingness to take — and make — critical three-pointers. His ability to finish lobs and stretch the floor creates matchup nightmares for the Knicks, who must decide how to contain him without sacrificing help defense elsewhere.

Brunson ranks a close second in the MVP conversation. The Knicks guard has posted strong playoff numbers of 26.9 points, 6.6 assists and steady leadership. Despite his listed height of 6-foot-2, Brunson overcomes physical limitations with exceptional skill, vision and clutch performance. His ability to create shots from all angles and make smart decisions under pressure has propelled New York to this stage.

Brunson’s signature moments include explosive fourth quarters and overtime heroics, such as his dominant display in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Cleveland. That resilience and big-shot capability make him a proven winner who thrives when games tighten in the Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns provides the Knicks with a vital third option on the MVP ladder. The big man contributes consistent double-doubles, averaging 16.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in the playoffs, along with an improved 5.9 assists. His shooting range and size create spacing that complements Brunson’s drives, while his passing from the high post has added a new dimension to New York’s offense.

Towns faces a formidable challenge matching up against Wembanyama. The Knicks plan to rotate defenders, but Towns’ ability to pull the Spurs center away from the paint with his perimeter shooting will be crucial. His consistency on the glass and willingness to adapt his game have been key factors in New York’s playoff success.

Stephon Castle emerges as a dark horse candidate for the Spurs. The 21-year-old guard has shown remarkable maturity, posting 19.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game in the postseason. His growth has been evident in reduced turnovers and increased aggression on both ends. Castle’s defense against primary ball handlers, including his containment of top scorers in earlier rounds, could prove decisive against Brunson.

OG Anunoby rounds out the top five on the ladder. The Knicks forward delivers elite two-way production at 19.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His versatility allows him to score effectively while providing strong perimeter and help defense. Anunoby’s strength and positioning could see him assigned to Wembanyama at times, using physicality to limit the big man’s effectiveness in the paint — reminiscent of past Finals standouts like Andre Iguodala.

The depth of talent on both rosters creates uncertainty around the eventual MVP. Additional candidates include Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and De’Aaron Fox for San Antonio, and Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges for New York. Each brings specific strengths that could shine in a long series.

The Knicks-Spurs matchup features contrasting styles. San Antonio relies on Wembanyama’s generational talent and a young, athletic supporting cast. New York counters with Brunson’s craftiness, Towns’ versatility and a tough, defensive-minded group. The series outcome likely hinges on which star imposes his will most effectively across multiple games.

Historical precedents show the Finals MVP often goes to the player who delivers the most memorable performances in decisive moments. While superstars usually claim the award, role players have surprised in the past when their contributions prove pivotal in a championship run.

Wembanyama’s defensive dominance gives him a slight edge in projections. His ability to alter shots and protect the rim could neutralize New York’s interior attacks, forcing the Knicks into difficult mid-range and perimeter shots. If he pairs that with efficient scoring, the trophy could be his to lose.

Brunson counters with proven playoff pedigree and leadership. His experience carrying a team through tough stretches and delivering in clutch situations makes him dangerous. Should the series extend deep and New York prevails, Brunson’s consistency and big moments could sway voters.

Towns’ evolution into a more complete player adds intrigue. His expanded passing and continued rebounding provide balance. Success for the Knicks may require him to stretch the floor and limit Wembanyama’s paint touches.

Castle represents the potential for youth to steal the spotlight. His poise and two-way contributions have already exceeded expectations. A strong series defensively against Brunson combined with scoring bursts could elevate his candidacy.

Anunoby’s value lies in quiet excellence. Even on nights when his shot is off, his defensive assignments and rebounding keep him impactful. His potential to guard Wembanyama effectively could mirror past defensive masterpieces that earned Finals MVP honors.

As the series begins, focus remains on execution over seven games. Factors such as home-court advantage, injuries, officiating and adjustments will influence individual performances. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, suggesting a competitive battle.

The NBA Finals MVP race adds narrative depth to an already compelling series. Fans and analysts will track every statistic and moment as candidates vie for the ultimate individual prize in a team sport. With two franchises seeking their next championship chapter, the spotlight on these five players — and others — will intensify with each game.

Observers note the rarity of such young talent colliding at this stage. Wembanyama and Castle highlight San Antonio’s bright future, while Brunson, Towns and Anunoby represent New York’s contention window. The winner of this series and its MVP will likely shape league conversations for years ahead.

As tip-off approaches, the basketball world awaits a series that promises drama, standout performances and, ultimately, one player hoisting both trophies in celebration of a championship run.