Stanley Gibbons, the stamps and collectibles specialist, has named a leader for its new Hong Kong business who will help grow the company’s international expansion.

Stanley Gibbons, the stamps and
collectibles specialist, has named a leader for its newly-launched Hong Kong business to help bolster the company’s international expansion.

Sophia Nazer joins Stanley Gibbons
(Asia) as investment portfolio manager working from the company's newest office
in Hong Kong's Central district. She reports to Keith Heddle, global investment director. The firm will also have an administrator in place and one of
its portfolio managers from the London office is on site until July.

Originally from the UK, Nazer has lived
and worked in various parts of Asia for several years before joining Stanley Gibbons. “Sophia will be instrumental in
establishing the brand in Hong Kong,” said the firm in a statement.

UK-based Stanley
Gibbons saw sales soar 35 per cent to £35.7 million ($56.5 million) last year, while
pre-tax profits rose 17 per cent to £5.2 million. Sales were buoyed as investors turned to tangible assets in the face of increasing
turbulence in the stock markets. Demand for Royal
wedding memorabilia, internet sales and Chinese interest were also key in rising sales. 

The Hong Kong office,
launched in September, contributed £1 billion of sales to Hong Kong residents
and Chinese individuals and generated a profit in its first quarter of trading,
said the firm in a statement.

Stanley Gibbons, launched in 1856, said its main
objective for this year will be international expansion in Asia and the US. 

The firm is also exploring new offices in Switzerland, Singapore, Monaco, Gibraltar and Brazil
through franchises this year, it said.