When established auction house Swan & Turner closed its doors in spring this year the Scottish Borders town was left without a saleroom.
But local businessman Ronan Brown, who runs storage firm StorageXpress, spotted a gap in the market after customers bemoaned the demise of the auctioneer.
“I thought there was an opportunity and I believe there is demand in the town and area for auctions of art, antiques, collectables and jewellery,” he said.
He contacted former Swan & Turner stalwart Ron Turner, and the pair set up Brown & Turner. Fortuitously they were able to take on the lease of the same premises at 34-36 High Street in Jedburgh in July and held their first auction on October 7 of 447 lots, making a hammer total of £35,000.
They plan to hold general auctions every two months and next year may look at holding an art sale.
Brown has recently hired a general manager, Ian Mayo, and has four people working at the saleroom as well as help from some of his staff at StorageXpress.
He also plans to offer auction house customers deals on collections and deliveries as well as a combined service for house removals for customers who want to use both.
The next auction is scheduled for December 10 with 300-500 lots.
Swan & Turner was owned by livestock auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington, which is in turn owned by H&H Group. It decided not to renew the lease on the premises earlier this year.
