A 14-year-old aspiring auctioneer has won the Under-16 title after impressing judges at a UK-wide competition.
Isaac Jenkins, from Pembrokeshire, was named Under-16 Champion at the inaugural Borderway Agri Expo Auctioneering Competition, held in Carlisle on Friday, October 30, where he competed against young auctioneers from across the country.
The competition, launched by H+H in association with the Livestock Auctioneers Association, challenged participants to sell two lots - one livestock item and one piece of machinery - while being judged on their introductions, selling ability, audience engagement and closing style.
Mr Jenkins said: "I’ve been interested in auctioneering since I was very young, and it’s something I really enjoy doing.
"I came all the way from Pembrokeshire especially for the competition, so it’s fantastic to have won."
Open category winner Tom Gregory, 17, from Tadcaster near York, said the experience helped reinforce his career ambitions.
Mr Gregory said: "I’ve always wanted to be an auctioneer, so when I spotted the competition on the H+H Facebook page, I decided to come along and give it a go.
"I’ve done a little bit of auctioneering at Young Farmers’ rallies, but nothing quite like this.
"I’m absolutely ecstatic to have won.
"I’m currently studying a T Level in Livestock at Bishop Burton Agricultural College, and winning this competition has given me a real confidence boost as I look towards pursuing a career in auctioneering when I finish college."
H+H auctioneer Joe Bowman, who initiated the competition, praised the standard of entries.
Mr Bowman said: "It was a fantastically enjoyable day.
"The competition was fiercely contested, with some real stars of the future emerging.
"It was particularly encouraging to see so many young competitors, aged between eight and 16, showing absolutely no fear and demonstrating some fantastic auctioneering skills."
Judges included Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the LAA, and Will Hamilton, chair of H+H.
The LAA supported the event with prizes of £100 for first place, £75 for second, and £50 for third in each class.
Mr Dodds said: "Auctioneers play an integral role within the livestock industry.
"The auction system provides farmers with an open and transparent marketplace, creating competition and helping livestock find its true value.
"For that system to continue to thrive, we need talented people coming into the profession.
"Auctioneering offers an exciting and varied career within agriculture, and initiatives such as this are a great way of putting the profession in front of the next generation."
Runner-up in the Under-16 category was Talia Owen, with Fred Williamson placing third.
Share