[A]n auction house on the Cumbria Lancashire border – which last year made a record £1million turn-over, doubled the size of its saleroom and took on extra staff – is celebrating the news that two of its staff are now associates of the National Association of Valuers & Auctioneers (NAVA). And, a third, has become a student member.
Jackie Rothwell and David Hunter join their 1818 Auctioneer colleague Bill Nelson as members of a body representing over 300 UK wide valuers and auctioneers. NAVA was established to bring together professionals, aiming at an industry standard, and to offer greater protection to consumers. Associates must be working as a valuer and/or auctioneer and have at least five years’ experience in the industry.
Saleroom manager Bill Nelson said: “People want to know they’re in good hands and this is proof that they are. We are working hard to deliver the highest of professional auction house standards, turning this into unrivalled value across all our services.
“The NAVA recognition is great news for Jackie who has worked her way through the business at a time when it was rare for women to do so. It was far more usual for women to remain in admin roles with men being promoted from porter to specialist to auctioneer. Jackie is part of the vanguard of women taking up senior positions. She is our lead valuer in silver, jewellery, textiles and vintage clothing, a section that continues to perform strongly. In the last year silver and jewellery produced 40% of the turnover in the company’s two day special sales.
“It’s also great to see professional recognition for David Hunter” continued Bill Nelson.
“Thanks to him our specialist toys, models and railwayana sales are a success story, so too is the new sporting memorabilia sale which David introduced last year. Recently selling one lot of n gauge railway modes for £1500.
“David is also part of the auctioneering team where maths meets theatrical performance, proving there is much more to being an auctioneer than meets the eye. Selling 500 lots each week could become monotonous if it’s not turned into an event that engages potential buyers standing in the saleroom as well as those watching and bidding via the internet. We take it in turns to sell, bringing our own way of doing it. David Hunter is a quick and knowledgeable auctioneer who brings out the story of each lot and gets great results. He also works as a double-act with Jackie as she monitors bids from the internet.” added Bill.
Trainee valuer Garth Drinkall, who joined 1818 Auctioneers six months ago, has become a student member of NAVA.
