Lyme Bay Auctions has opened a new salesroom and main office in the heart of Colyton, giving the independent East Devon auction house a more visible base while retaining its existing premises in Seaton.
The family run business, headed by husband and wife team Simon Watson and Susie Watson, has moved its main operation to Market Place in Colyton. The new premises provide a place where customers can bring items for valuation, discuss private collections and estates and meet the team.
Lyme Bay Auctions continues to run online auctions alongside its valuation, house clearance and estate management services, serving clients across Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Its Seaton premises on Harepath Road will continue to operate as a stock depot and collection hub supporting the business’s continuous online auctions.
A new base for Lyme Bay Auctions
The move brings Lyme Bay Auctions into the centre of Colyton at a time when the business is continuing to combine traditional auction services with online selling.
Simon Watson said the business had been looking for the right location before the opportunity arose in Market Place.
“We are extremely pleased to have opened our new salesroom in the heart of Colyton. We had been looking for the right location for some time and, when the opportunity arose in Market Place, we felt it was the ideal setting for the next chapter of Lyme Bay Auctions.”
He said the response from local people had also made an impression on the business.
“The welcome we have received from the people of Colyton has been quite remarkable. From neighbouring businesses and local residents to customers simply calling in to say hello, everyone has been incredibly warm and supportive.”
The business handles a wide range of items through its auction operation, including antiques, jewellery, silver, fine art, collectables, coins, ceramics, vinyl records, vintage pieces and specialist collections. Its website also highlights services including probate valuations, downsizing support, property preparation and house clearances. (Lyme Bay Auctions)
Connecting Colyton with the wider South West
For a business serving clients across three counties, the new Colyton premises give Lyme Bay Auctions a local base while its online auctions allow buyers to participate beyond East Devon.
The combination reflects the changing nature of the auction business, where a physical salesroom can provide the personal contact expected from a local independent business while online platforms extend the reach of individual lots. Lyme Bay Auctions says its continuous online auctions have new items listed weekly across categories including jewellery, collectables, art and antiques. (Lyme Bay Auctions)
The move also adds another independent business to Colyton’s town centre, with Simon describing the town as having “a wonderful sense of community and a thriving mix of independent businesses”.
There are other examples of East Devon businesses combining local roots with a wider customer base. Devon Business News recently reported on Newton Poppleford based Car Mod Shop, which has built an international e commerce business from East Devon. From Newton Poppleford to international success
For Lyme Bay Auctions, the new salesroom provides a more accessible point of contact for local customers while the Seaton base continues to support the practical side of its online auction operation.
“We would like to thank all of our clients, customers and friends who have supported Lyme Bay Auctions over the years,” Simon said. “We are incredibly excited about this next stage of the business and look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home in Colyton.”
Businesses across Devon can also raise their profile through a free company listing on Devon Business Directory, with Business Leader listings and featured articles available for organisations looking for additional exposure.
Devon Business
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