Auctioneer creates national estate agent partnership network
Manchester-based national property auctioneer Pugh & Co has launched an initiative that will see the firm partner with estate agents across the UK.
Via the new network Pugh will work on a formal basis with agents, enabling them to securely sell properties that are unsuitable for sale by private treaty or require an immediate, unconditional sale.
The service is designed to provide agents with a client-focused partnership and additional revenue stream via an online or in-room auction, supported by Pugh’s 11 UK offices.
Pugh’s associate director Will Thompson, who heads the new network, said: “Whilst COVID-19 has inevitably presented challenges, successfully moving our entire auction function to our pre-existing online platform during lockdown is a great source of pride for our team.
“The fantastic results of our recent online auctions have proved we can truly offer our partner estate agents a flexible and reliable auction partnership.
“Pugh has been providing a reputable auction service to estate agents for years now, and by formalising the arrangements we’re aiming to provide the best service possible. With more than 40,000 investors subscribing to our auction alerts, the sales we have generated for our clients, even during lockdown, are a testament to our success.”
He added: “Due to our consistently strong performances, we are able to tailor bespoke agreements with agents that suit their business models and requirements.
“We recognise that estate agents have had to overcome an array of challenges during lockdown and that reaffirms our commitment to flexibility and collaboration when forming our auction partnerships – enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.”
Pugh reported sales of £5m for its April property auctions, which were switched from auction rooms in Manchester and Leeds to its online platform after the introduction of social distancing regulations in March.
In 2019 it offered more than 1,000 lots for sale, generating in excess of £90m for clients including private individuals, charities, corporates and public sector organisations.
Acquired in 2016 by property consultant Eddisons, Pugh was founded in 1992 and has grown to become one of the largest commercial auctioneers in the UK, selling residential and commercial properties as well as land.
