Business Details
Cheshire's Premier Auction House for Antiques & Collectables
The Auction Centre is an independent family-run company of auctioneers and valuers based in North Cheshire with regional representatives throughout the UK. We provide a friendly professional service with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality. Our multi-discipline practice acts as auctioneers, valuers, consultants, and estate clearance specialists working closely with solicitors, estate agents, banks, executors, trustees, the police, and private individuals. We offer a variety of professional and high-quality services for both buyers and sellers in the auction world, including valuation services, auction services, and house clearance services.Our team has access to a huge archive of past auction results worldwide, enabling us to provide vendors with current price guide information. We hold regular fortnightly collectables, antiques, and fine art auctions at our Runcorn-based saleroom and accept bids and ship lots anywhere worldwide.
Services
Auction Services
Valuation Services
House Clearance
Shipping Services
Charity Auctions
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in the auction industry across Cheshire and the North West
- We operate a collection and delivery service with pre-sale estimates for all items
- Our house clearance service is conducted sympathetically and swiftly using our own transport
- We offer worldwide exposure via specialist internet websites and online illustrated catalogues
- We provide free initial consultations for complete house clearances and large private collections
What people say
Fantastic efficient service
Superb packaging
Swift delivery
Excellent service
Highly recommend
Services
Auction Services
We offer comprehensive auction services for items valued between 20 and 200,000. Our fortnightly antiques, collectables, and fine art auctions attract global buyers through live internet bidding platforms. We provide pre-sale estimates, professional photography, and worldwide marketing for all consigned items.
Valuation Services
Professional valuation services for single items or complete house contents. We specialise in probate valuations compliant with Inheritance Tax Act 1984 and insurance valuations with detailed written reports. Our experts have access to global auction result archives for accurate pricing.
House Clearance
Professional house clearance service covering Cheshire and surrounding regions. Our team handles complete estate clearances with free initial consultations. We identify valuable items hidden in properties and sell contents at auction to maximise returns for clients.
Shipping Services
Comprehensive packing and shipping service available UK-wide and internationally. We use UPS for most shipments with insurance against loss in transit. Our in-house packaging department ensures secure delivery of purchased lots within 48 hours of payment.
Charity Auctions
Free service for registered charities selling donated items. We handle complete charity consignments with no charges incurred, helping organisations like Age UK and British Heart Foundation maximise fundraising potential through our auction platform.
People
Michael P Bain
Director and Senior Auctioneer
Experienced auctioneer with specialist knowledge in antiques and fine art. Leads valuation days across the North West and oversees auction operations at the Runcorn saleroom.
Vanessa Smith
Saleroom Manager and Auctioneer
Manages daily saleroom operations and conducts auctions. Specialises in client services and ensures smooth execution of both onsite and online bidding processes.
Carol A Bain
Director
Key member of the management team with extensive experience in probate valuations and estate clearance services. Provides expert guidance to clients handling deceased estates.
Stuart Walsh
Auctioneer
Professional auctioneer with expertise in collectables and specialist auctions. Regularly appears at valuation events and charity auctions across the region.
Simon Baker
Gemology Consultant
Specialist consultant for jewellery and gemstone valuations. Provides expert assessments for insurance and probate purposes with detailed written reports.
Questions
How can I bid in your auctions if I can't attend in person?
You can bid via absentee commission bids, telephone bidding for lots over £80, or live internet bidding through our website. All auctions are broadcast online with real-time audio feed.
What services do you offer for selling household contents?
We provide free home visits for valuation, handle complete house clearances, and sell contents at auction. Our team identifies valuable items and handles transportation using our own vehicles.
Do you offer valuations for insurance purposes?
Yes, we provide written insurance valuations with detailed descriptions and current retail replacement values. Our reports include photographs and are suitable for insurance documentation.
How are shipping costs calculated for purchased items?
UK shipping starts at £14 for items under 2kg and £18 for 2-30kg. International quotes available on request. All packages are sent 'signed for' with loss insurance through UPS or Royal Mail.
Can charities use your auction services?
We offer a free service for registered charities, selling donated items with no charges incurred. Charities benefit from our marketing reach and auction expertise to maximise fundraising potential.
What happens after I win an auction lot?
You'll receive an invoice by email with payment due within 48 hours. Once paid, your items will be packed and shipped immediately. Local collection available at our Runcorn saleroom.
