The NAVA Propertymark Novice Auctioneer of the Year competition is returning to crown the top budding auctioneer of 2019.

The competition – which is being held at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich Spa – is open to all auctioneers and valuers starting their careers. This year will cover property, jewellery, fashion and fine arts.

Competitors representing the property industry include David Henwood of Clive Emson Auctioneers, Marino Costi of Phillip Arnold Auctions, and many more.

In an action-packed day of bidding, each contestant must auction off eight lots; a mix of property and chattels. Last year’s lots included a former public toilet block in Cornwall, a timber-framed stilt cottage with jetty, a limited-edition print and a pistol.

Three competitors are then selected to take part in a real charity auction in the gala dinner final, with judges – Richard Auterac, Richard Lewis and David Sandeman – looking for skill, knowledge and the ability to cope with interjections from the bidders.

Together with winning the title of ‘NAVA Propertymark Novice Auctioneer of the Year’ and the Clive Emson Auction Trophy Rosebowl, the winner also gets a year’s NAVA Propertymark membership subscription and a £250 donation to a charity of their choice.

This year, two contestants of SDL Auctions, Chris Theocharies and Morgan Lee, will go head to head for the title.

The auctioneer has succeeded in the competition in the past, with previous winners including managing director and auctioneer Andrew Parker and head of operations Abigail Selwood.

In fact, Debs Latham from SDL Auctions was crowned last year’s winner, and took possession of the Clive Emson Competition Rose Bowl and gavel.

Commenting on her win, she said: “The competition was exciting, nerve-racking and exhilarating, all rolled into one! Being from a property background, it was a challenge having to auction chattels lots, as it was all new to me.”

“Winning also illustrates that although it’s a novice competition, it doesn’t just have to be for the younger people. I proved that you can succeed at any age, and regardless of gender.”

The NAVA Propertymark Novice Auctioneer of the Year competition takes place on Wednesday 9 October 2019.