From Set to Sold: How a Film & TV Fleet Hit the Mark at Auction with Hickman Shearer

In late 2025, Bristol Television & Film Services Ltd (BTFS), a specialist provider of film and TV production vehicles, entered administration. Hickman Shearer were appointed to manage the structured disposal of 49 highly specialised assets, where they held exposure under two finance agreements.

The brief was clear: deliver a transparent, efficient and compliant process that maximised realisations from a diverse, end-of-life production fleet.

A Specialist Fleet

The BTFS fleet comprised production-ready assets including costume and artiste trailers, mobile production offices, dining and kitchen units, tractor units, rigid wagons, power trailers and a converted Dennis double-decker dining bus.

Having previously undertaken a full valuation of the fleet in 2022, Hickman Shearer brought detailed market insight to the instruction, enabling a carefully structured online auction strategy tailored to each asset type.

Why Auction?

For specialist fleets, auctions offer distinct advantages. A structured online sale creates competitive tension, ensures equal access to information and delivers a clear audit trail for stakeholders. Crucially, it opens the market to both domestic and international buyers — a key factor when dealing with niche production equipment.

The Strategy

The campaign included:

• Direct outreach to specialist film and TV fleet operators

• A structured Expression of Interest process

• A detailed catalogue and supported viewing days

• Trade press coverage and coordinated digital promotion

• Active stakeholder communication throughout

The Results

The online auction delivered a 100% sale rate:

• 49 lots sold

• Hammer total: £226,350

• 96,126 lot views

• 48 registered bidders

• 16 successful buyers, including international purchasers

Strong pre-market engagement, effective marketing and the rarity of a concentrated, production-ready fleet all contributed to competitive bidding. The converted double-decker dining bus generated notable interest, demonstrating how unique assets can capture additional value when presented to the right audience.

A Strategic Outcome

Beyond the headline figures, the process provided the instructing finance company with a fully managed, transparent disposal and clear reporting throughout. It also established a clear framework for future end-of-life fleet realisations within the media and broadcast sector.

The BTFS case reinforces the strategic role auctions play in asset-intensive industries: with the right expertise, preparation and market exposure, even highly specialised fleets can deliver strong, compliant outcomes.

"The auction of the Bristol Television and film services Ltd fleet highlights the strengths of a targeted, sector led auction strategy, especially when the hammer price exceeded our initial predictions. Despite challenging conditions in the broadcast sector, the 49 lots were marketed to the right audience and we achieved a 100% sell through rate. Working with Auction News was absolutely instrumental in driving strong international bidder engagement." Tim Howard, Managing Director, Hickman Shearer LTD.

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