Auction News 27th February 2026

DIRECTOR LEVEL VALUERS

MACHINERY & BUSINESS ASSET ADVISORY

is seeking Director-level RICS or NAVA-qualified valuers with experience in complex machinery and business asset instructions.

1. Flexible hybrid or remote working.

2. Competitive remuneration with profit participation.

3. Authority to lead instructions without unnecessary internal challenge.

4. A national platform that supports, rather than constrains, senior valuers.

This is a senior advisory role offering genuine autonomy, supported by a national platform that removes operational friction from the valuation process. WE MAKE VALUER’S LIVES EASIER BY:

1. Freeing Valuers from operational distraction so they can focus on advisory quality, judgment, and client outcomes.

2. Handling asset collection, logistics, trade engagement & in-house marketing. 3. Providing dedicated teams to manage lotting, sale preparation, and execution.

Auctioneer Feature

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 doubledecker 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 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

A targeted campaign was implemented, including:

• 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, in particular, generated notable interest, demonstrating how unique assets can capture additional value.

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 framework for future end-of-life fleet realisations in the media and broadcast sector.

The BTFS case reinforces the strategic role auctions play in asset-intensive industries: with the right expertise and market reach, 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.

AssetsofNorville(20/20)Limited

TheassetsofNorville(20/20)include,butarenotlimitedto,thecontentsofasophisticatedoptical/ lensproductionfacilityincludingplantandmachineryrelatingto:

Manual&AutomaticBlocking/De-Blocking–(2)Norvillemanualblocker,(7)SatislohLayout/ART/ Nucleodeblockers,BazellTechnologiesCorporationSystem

DigitalSurfacing–(4)SatislohVFTOrbitlensgenerators,(2)GerberLensmakerXRTlensgenerators RoughingandPolishing–(8)NorvilleIntegrasurfacers,(2)SatislohMulti-Flexpolishers,(2)Satisloh Duo-Flexpolishers

Glazing–MEIBispheraTBAPhoenixlensedger,MEIBisphera-XDDTBAlensedger,MEI641lensedger Inspection–(2)AutomationRobotics(AR)PromapperInklensinspectionmachine,pluscalibration, lensmeters,edgerandlasercodingequipment Laboratory,Tinting&Coating–assortedlaboratoryequipmentinc (9)Memmertovens,clean roomsandassociatedservices,tintingbaths,(2)SCLautohardcoatingmachines,SCLUltrasonic bath,etc

Plantservices&Warehousing–palletracking,storesshelving/racking,Monkconveyorsystemwith spiralconveyor,aircompressors,watertanksandpurifiers,dustextractionsystem,etc

OfficeFurniture&ITEquipment–desks,officechairs,monitorsandcomputers

Location:Gloucester,UnitedKingdom|Viewing:3rdand4thMarch2026,09:30-16:00

ViewAuction

Farming equipment auctions have changed the way machinery is bought and sold.

For farmers and agricultural businesses, they offer access to quality tractors, trailers, cultivation kit and dairy equipment, often at a fraction of retail prices. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, auctions are now a strategic, cost-effective route to sourcing essential machinery.

Why Choose Auctions?

Auctions, both in-yard and online, provide variety, transparency and value. Farm dispersals, in particular, bring entire holdings to market due to retirement, downsizing or business restructuring. For buyers, this often means well-maintained equipment with full service histories, ready for immediate use. Competitive bidding ensures realistic pricing, while catalogued listings and condition notes give buyers confidence.

What’s on Offer

A typical farming auction reflects the diversity of modern agriculture:

• Tractors: From compact utility models to highpowered four-wheel-drive machines

• Trailers: Livestock, tipping, flatbed and grain trailers

• Cultivation Equipment: Ploughs, seed drills, power harrows, sprayers

• Dairy Equipment: Milking parlours, feeders, bulk tanks, calf housing

• Miscellaneous Tools: Generators, pressure washers, fencing kit, workshop gear

Some sales represent a single farm; others combine stock from multiple holdings, giving buyers more choice and convenience.

How to Prepare

Preparation is key to securing the best deals:

1. Register in Advance: Most auctioneers allow online pre-registration, speeding up bidding on the day.

2. Study the Catalogue: Review descriptions, photographs, service histories and guide prices.

3. Inspect Equipment: Attend preview days or request extra images and videos for online auctions.

4. Set a Budget: Know your limits for each item and stick to them.

Understand the auction type you’re entering – live or timed online – and be aware of buyer’s premiums, VAT and transport costs to calculate total spend.

Bidding and Beyond

Successful bidding is as much strategy as luck. Start conservatively, gauge competition and be disciplined. Once the gavel falls, prompt payment and organised collection are essential. Many auction houses offer transport assistance or recommend logistics partners for larger machinery.

Keeping accurate records – invoices, proof of purchase, and VAT documentation – helps with compliance and asset tracking. For larger operations, integrating new machinery into maintenance and insurance schedules ensures it remains productive and protected.

Why Auctions Make Sense

Farming equipment auctions offer more than bargains, they give flexibility and access to reliable machinery without overextending budgets. With careful preparation and strategic bidding, buyers can secure high-quality tractors, trailers and dairy equipment at excellent value.

Staying informed is key. Platforms like Auction News provide nationwide listings and personalised alerts, helping buyers track farm dispersals and sales. For both seasoned operators and newcomers, auctions remain a practical, cost-effective way to build or refresh a farm’s machinery fleet.

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