AN auctioneer from Kivells Holsworthy has had their talent and expertise recognised at the national ‘Mart’s The Heart’ awards.

Kivells director Russell Steer, from Kivells Exeter Market, and James Morrish, from Kivells Holsworthy and Exeter Markets, were delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious Auctioneer of the Year award. A proud achievement for Kivells, highlighting the professionalism of the established team and underlines how well-respected they are across the Westcountry and beyond.

The annual awards, now in its fourth year, aim to recognise the agriculture industry and includes awards for lifetime achievement, auctioneer of the year, new auctioneer of the year and auction café of the year. Russell and James were in the top five nominees from across the UK, with votes being cast online and by post. Further to voting, a judging panel of three industry experts helped make the final decision.

To the delight of the Kivells family, it was Russell who won the prestigious award in his second year of nomination. Russell, a 32-year-old auctioneer with over ten years’ experience, six of which being at Kivells Exeter, was delighted to receive the award at the British Farming Awards 2018 during a ceremony at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. Colleagues and members of the agriculture industry from around the country were in attendance.

Russell was inspired to pursue a career in agriculture having attended the Kivells Exeter market as a child with his father, a farmer from Totnes. Russell now heads up the sheep section which has gone from strength to strength with solid weekly sales of both prime and store sheep, as well as nationally renowned breeding sheep sales the size and quality of which rival any in Southern England.

Everyone at Kivells congratulated Russell and James for their nominations and Russell for the honour of being presented with the award.