FEATURE - Burns & Co. Auctions business growth
Burns & Co. Auctions have been in the auction game for just over a decade, but in that time, they’ve gone from strength to strength. They’re now going even further, with the addition of a facility in Newcastle, NSW, to join their existing Victorian premises in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater.
Ashley Burns, director and head auctioneer at Burns & Co. Auctions, says expanding the business into NSW is all about making it easier for those consigning classic and collectable cars, motorcycles, collectables and memorabilia to have their items prepared for auction. The expansion also benefits buyers, enabling NSW residents to conduct in-person inspections more easily, should they wish to do so.
“Expansion was inevitable as our record-breaking auctions gain popularity, so this move was really a no brainer,” Burns said. “This new facility will allow us to better service our clients throughout Queensland and New South Wales. I can’t wait to see where this expansion takes us, and if it goes anywhere near as well as our Melbourne facility, I’ll be delighted.”
New Space, Familiar Ground
While an official, bricks-and-mortar presence in New South Wales is a new initiative for Burns & Co. Auctions, the state isn’t new territory for them. In 2016, Burns & Co. conducted large-scale, on-site auctions in Cowra and Canowindra; the latter being the auction of the Canowindra Motors Holden collection of Charlie McCarron, which was reported in JUST CARS at the time. In 2017, a return to Cowra was followed by auctions in Bathurst, Deniliquin and other locations in NSW’s Central West. Newcastle isn’t new ground for Burns & Co. either.
“We’ve had a connection with the greater Newcastle area since conducting the ‘Lost in the 50’s’ auction in 2018,” Burns added.
The potential of Newcastle was apparent even back then, with the Central Coast region’s large population, a strong car enthusiast community and a number of new clients gained after the Lost in the ‘50s auction. However, adding to the existing Burns & Co. premises in Bayswater was interrupted by several factors, not least of which was COVID-19, so it’s only in the latter part of 2023 that it came to fruition.
Big Site, Big Opportunities
The Newcastle site offers around 1600sqm of floor space, putting it on a par with the Bayswater premises that recently doubled in size. Burns adds that it’ll be a multi-purpose venue, too, able to hold, prepare and display cars prior to auction, as well as offering memorabilia, all under the one-roof.
Obviously, for customers of Burns & Co. Auctions in NSW and Queensland, not having to send their vehicles all the way down to Victoria for auction saves time and money. Potential buyers also benefit, as they can inspect vehicles in person without travelling interstate. This customer-first initiative - making it easier for buyers and sellers alike - is what has driven the expansion from day one.
“We can comfortably hold 30 cars for pre-auction inspections, and then delivery, whilst also maintaining a presence with memorabilia auctions,” Burns said. “It’s the perfect premises for our core business.”
All collectable car auctions will still be conducted out of Bayswater, but vehicles at Newcastle will be professionally photographed, filmed and documented, so bidders outside of NSW who can’t conduct inspections in person can still access a comprehensive written and visual register of the vehicles offered. This process differs little from that previously conducted by Shannons, where cars were located in three different states, but the auctions operated out of Melbourne, with bidding nationwide.
Welcome, Michael
Heading up operations at Newcastle is Michael Saide, who’s a Central Coast local and comes to Burns & Co. Auctions after many years in a similar role with Shannons, so brings a lot of knowledge and experience, making him an ideal fit.
“Michael joins us with a well-established network, outstanding car knowledge, strong managerial and organisational skills and a can-do attitude,” Burns explained.
As Newcastle-Central Coast Manager, Saide will lead a small team, including some staffers from Burns & Co. Auctions Melbourne, who will come on board as required. Further assistance will be brought in for busy periods before and after an auction, too. Saide started in the role in early November, so is ready to help customers sell individual vehicles, collections and memorabilia.
Those in Newcastle, the Central Coast and up into Queensland who have collectable vehicles to sell can contact Saide directly on 0437 637 644, while details of upcoming Burns & Co. auctions, including vehicles from the new premises, are available at: burnsandcoauctions.com.au
21 January, 2024 - Save the Date
The first Burns & Co. Auctions collectable car auction to include vehicles from the Newcastle premises will be held on Sunday, 21 January, 2024.
The docket was still being finalised at time of writing, but there are already several NSW cars consigned, part of an overall list that’s likely to exceed 70 vehicles.
As with past Burns & Co. collectable car auctions, the January sale will cover a broad range, from pre-war vintage to classic Aussie Holdens and Fords, sports cars, Aussie and American muscle, hot rods, luxury rides, classic commercial vehicles and modern performance cars. There are usually a few quirky and rare cars in these auctions, too, so if you’re after something unusual, something you won’t see at your next car show, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at one of these auctions.
Ahead of the 21 January auction, vehicle inspections will be available from Friday, 12 January, 2024, at both the Melbourne facility (4 Market Drive, Bayswater, VIC, 3153) and the all-new Newcastle/Central Coast premises (11 Hartley Drive, Thornton, NSW, 2322).
For more details, go to: burnsandcoauctions.com.au
