As one of six million private sector companies currently in business across the UK, being named in the London Stock Exchange Group’s Top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain for 2018 is a significant achievement for Wilsons Auctions. Having started as a single auction site in Northern Ireland, the family-owned business has seen steady growth in recent years having expanded to a total of 18 sites across Scotland, England, Wales and Republic of Ireland.
The most recent acquisition saw Wilsons Auctions open a dedicated auction house in Newport, South Wales with additional sites in Gateshead, North East England and Stoke in the West Midlands as it continues to build its national footprint.
With 400 members of staff and an annual hammer total in excess of £300 million, Wilsons Auctions is a progressive and forward-thinking company with a passion for continually finding new ways to offer first rate sales and services to buyers and sellers alike.
From property, vehicles, plant and machinery to general goods and high-end valuables, Wilsons Auctions also manages the asset realisation process for private and public sector as well as law enforcement agencies. Dealing with the collection, valuation and auctioning of assets on behalf of its extensive client base, the auction company welcomes over 500,000 physical visitors to its auctions on an annual basis as well as having an online bidding facility, welcoming customers world-wide.
Peter Johnston, Wilsons Auctions’ Group Operations Director said, “As the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland, we are thrilled to have been named by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the top 0.02% companies that is ‘Inspiring Britain’. Wilsons Auctions is a forward-thinking company and thanks to the hard work and dedication given by the Wilsons Auctions team across the group, this accolade is in recognition of the consistent growth within the company while strengthening our position within the auction industry.”
Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc said, “We warmly congratulate all of the companies identified in this year’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report. Five years on, the report continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of British businesses across the country.
“These dynamic companies are the backbone of our economy, playing an important role in the UK’s ability to innovate, export and grow. This report is a significant part of London Stock Exchange Group’s broader campaign to support UK high growth companies. We are committed to championing British businesses and Britain’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit,” he concluded.
Commenting on the report Prime Minister, The RT Hon Theresa May MP said, “From dynamic start-ups to established family firms, SMEs are the backbone of our country. I believe in a brighter future for this country, one in which new technology and new thinking brings better jobs for more people. The 1,000 innovative companies recognised in this report are at the forefront of doing just that. I certainly found them inspiring, and I am sure you will too.”
A family owned business, Wilsons Auctions was formed in 1936 in Northern Ireland and has grown to become the largest independent auction company in the British Isles with sites in the Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Peter Johnston, Group Operations Director at Wilsons Auctions
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