COVID-19 Further update from Auction News

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to have a drastic impact on all aspects of life and this of course includes the auction industry. The UK government’s guidance on “Closing Certain Businesses and Venues” issued on 23rd March includes auction houses in the list of businesses which must close to the public with immediate effect.

Coupled with the ban on gatherings of more than two people from different households, all auctioneers have now been forced to suspend or cancel their live saleroom auctions with many  deciding to cancel their online auctions as well due the difficulties brought about by the movement restrictions and social distancing measures.

However, a few auctioneers are managing to buck the trend and are still holding their timed online auctions by having measures in place to comply with the current government advice and ensure the safety of their customers. This includes virtual online viewing or appointment only open air viewing strictly observing the two metre rule. 

With the far-reaching impact of the Coronavirus lockdown, we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend printing of the weekly magazine until further notice. We will, however, continue to upload our website www.auctionnews.com with the digital issue each week and continue to add as many new auctions and catalogues as possible.

We would like to wish all our customers, their families and loved ones all the best during this difficult time. We are a strong nation and will get through this sooner if we all follow the government’s advice. We know the auction industry is highly resilient and have confidence it will bounce back quickly once we have this wretched virus under control.

Stay Home and Stay Safe

Steve Payne
Managing Director,
Auction News Ltd