A 200-YEAR-OLD auction house is hoping its reopening plans will attract a new generation of buyers.

1818, based at J36 Rural Auction Centre on the Cumbria, Lancashire border, will offer a programme of new online timed auctions until mid- July.

Bill Nelson, 1818’s saleroom manager, says stopping live auctions in March to safeguard staff and clients has impacted on cash flow, but the business is in good shape and its new timed auctions, similar to e-bay, should help with recovery.

“As we come out of lockdown measures, with some furloughed staff returning to work in the coming weeks, timed sales are a good way to reopen,” he said.

“They are easier to set up and offer a much safer working environment.

“Whilst there’s nothing to beat the buzz of a live auction, it can be the very thing that puts people off bidding.

Anyone wanting to make a bid will need to register at the-saleroom.com and bought items can be collected by appointment, couriered or posted.