A CROOKLANDS auction house is having a bumper year as expansion plans get under way and it heads towards record turnover figures.

1818 Auctioneers, based at J36 Rural Auction Centre, is on target to make a million pounds turnover this year - a first in the firm’s history.

Manager Bill Nelson, puts success down to establishing new speciality sales, offering weekend viewings, handling a record number of items for sale – including a top lot which made £19,500. He said that it was a ‘very exciting’ time at the auction house.

“We have had a massive growth in turnover,” said Mr Nelson, who joined the team as manager just 18 months ago.

“100 per cent in lots and in money over the last 18 months.

“I have got a big vision for the future. We are scratching the surface for what we can do both financially and as a business.”

And the auction house saleroom will be doubling in size, resulting in extra jobs.

Joining the eight-strong team is apprentice administrator Katie Waine from Selside, Kendal, saleroom assistant Andy Langdale from Morecambe and trainee valuer Garth Drinkall from near Lancaster.

“The foundations were there,” Mr Nelson said, explaining the growth of the business. “The biggest part of it is the simple little things like opening on a Saturday so people can view but they have the option to bid online.”

And although the success had coincided with his own appointment, he said that the team worked together to achieve great results.

“It’s very hard work but the rewards are just fantastic,” he said.

“It is wonderful. We are making the best of people’s property.

“We are valuing what people treasure.”

The firm is also in the process of recruiting an additional saleroom assistant.

1818 Auctioneers is part of the North West Auctions group which includes NWA Livestock, NWA Professional and NWA Property based at J36 Rural Auction Centre on the Cumbria Lancashire border.