We have reported record financial and operational results for the year ended 31 December 2025, marking another year of continued growth since our move to Junction 36, Rural Auction Centre near Milnthorpe. We relocated from the centre of Kendal in 2013.
Turnover for the 2025 period reached £2.06 million, with £826,000 generated in commission. Both figures represent new annual records for our business.
Saleroom Manager Bill Nelson said: “The results reflect steady increases in both the number of lots offered and the range of services we provide. We have seen consistent demand from sellers and strong levels of bidding across all departments.”
During the year, the auction house processed 33,797 lots, continuing an upward trend in annual volume. The sell-through rate was 18% higher than the national average for UK auction houses.
Bill added: “Online bidding remains a major contributor to sales performance. 1818 Auctioneers has approximately 80,000 registered customers receiving catalogue alerts, the highest number for any auction house selling through the-saleroom.com platform. Buyers are based locally as well as across the UK and overseas.”
We now employ 25 people, including 10 full-time staff, nine part-time staff and six commission-based agents. Heading into our third century of auctioneering, we operate from two buildings with four salerooms at the Junction 36 Rural Auction Centre, housing 20 specialist departments including antiques, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, silver, coins, stamps, militaria, art and collectables. Auctions are held as timed online sales with in-person viewing sessions.
Another area of success in 2025, saw insurance valuation activity increase by 200%, with £270,000 worth of items professionally valued. The probate valuation service also expanded and is now operating across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire, led by our Assistant Manager, Simon Thompson.
Bill said: “Valuation work has become a larger part of the business, particularly for insurance and probate reflecting demand from solicitors and private clients.”
We will continue to focus on auction volume, valuation services and online bidding infrastructure as part of our ongoing business development.