The UK’s largest auctioneer will hold its March auctions via live streaming and with remote bidding only, in response to the escalation of Covid-19.
Allsop took the decision not to conduct the sales as public ballroom events yesterday (16 March), after the government stepped up its response to the crisis. The new government measures include calling on everyone to avoid gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres.
Allsop is the first auctioneer to do so and is expected to be followed by the rest of the market, in what is traditionally a busy month for the sector.
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Allsop’s commercial auction is due to take place on Monday 30 March and its residential sale on Tuesday 31 March.
George Walker, partner and auctioneer at Allsop, said: “In light of the escalation of Covid-19, we have decided to protect the welfare of our staff, clients and buyers by holding both our auctions on 30 and 31 March via live streaming and with remote bidding only. Buyers can take part in these auctions by phone, proxy or online, as 25% already do.”
All prospective buyers are asked to set up remote bidding for any lots they have an active interest in purchasing via the Allsop website by Thursday 26 March.
“We are confident that the systems we have in place will allow us to continue the auction marketing process as normal, and thank everyone for their co-operation,” Walker said.
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