Valuers and auctioneers John Pye Auctions has expanded its award-winning business assets team with the appointment of key national figure, Gary Harper, President of the National Association of Valuers.
Gary joins John Pye as head of UK North West regional valuations and brings more than 27 years’ experience in machinery and business asset valuation and disposal advice, having previously worked for Lambert Smith Hampton and King Sturge asset agents.
John Pye – awarded UK Asset Valuer and Auctioneer of the Year for the last five years running in the UK Turnaround, Restructuring and Insolvency Awards – has been making national news as it currently experiences its busiest period in 52 years. The firm recorded a 79% sales increase in July and August, after handling some of the biggest cases in the fall out from Covid-19.
NAVA President Gary Harper said: “I’m delighted to join the John Pye business assets team at such an exciting and pivotal time. The company has a brilliant reputation within the industry and I’m really looking forward to engaging the Northern marketplace with John Pye’s wide service offerings.
“I have valued and advised on a wide range of assets and, as a seasoned auctioneer, I’ve sold everything from a pin to a battleship – in my case everything from long haired miniature dachshunds to major food pharmaceutical and manufacturing production facilities.
“I’m therefore really looking forward to offering my expertise and extending John Pye’s reputation in the north of the country.”
Established in 1968 the online auction house is the UK’s biggest general auction network, holding more than 1,300 auctions per year. During the coronavirus lockdown it saw a 94% increase in bidders per auction lots with new bidder registrations up by 34%, as savvy shoppers hunted for bargains.
Trevor Palethorpe, national head of valuations at John Pye, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gary on board. Having worked on some of the country’s largest insolvencies he is incredibly experienced and his knowledge spans all asset categories and sectors.
“I have worked alongside Gary for a number years now on various NAVA committees and have seen first-hand the commitment he gives to all roles he takes on. I have no doubt he will be a real asset to the team.
“This is a really interesting time for John Pye; we’ve just had our busiest month on record following our instruction on a number of high-profile business insolvencies and millionaire bankruptcies. Gary is joining at the perfect time to help us continue this success in the North of England.”
John Pye Auctions is now the UK’s biggest general auction house network, spanning almost 1m square foot of sales space nationwide, holding more than 1,300 auctions per year. The firm is headquartered in Nottingham and has more than 22 sites across the country, with more than 500 full time staff.
