• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Monday March 23 2026

Auction house shortlisted for national SME award

A Royal Wootton Bassett auction house that has brought new life back to part of the town’s High Street has been named a finalist at a new national awards programme celebrating small businesses across the UK.

RWB Auctions, founded by local entrepreneur Jon White, has been shortlisted in the Best New Business category at the inaugural Best SME Awards 2026.

The business opened its doors as part of a wider investment into the high street, with Jon acquiring and restoring former bank and retail buildings to create a space that feels open and accessible to everyone, not just seasoned collectors.

Jon said being shortlisted is a proud moment for the team behind the scenes who have built the business from the ground up.

“This recognition isn’t mine, it belongs to everyone who’s helped deliver a fantastic new business to the high street. It’s the long days, the problem-solving, and the way the team welcome every customer who walks through our doors that this really reflects,” he said.

RWB Auctions was set up with a simple idea in mind, to make auctions feel more straightforward and fair. The business offers lower fees than many traditional auction houses, alongside free valuations and a no sale, no fee approach.

“We challenge the way auctions are sometimes perceived. We wanted to offer better value, more transparency, and an experience that feels genuinely welcoming to everyone, not just seasoned collectors,” Jon said.

He said building the auction house from scratch has been a huge effort from the whole team. “None of this happens without the right people behind it. I’m lucky to have a team who’ve thrown themselves into it and really care about what we’re building here,” he said.

Since opening, the saleroom has hosted regular antiques and interiors sales, as well as specialist auctions for jewellery, silver, watches and coins. Alongside this, they have introduced valuation days across the south west, giving people the chance to have items looked at closer to home.

The Best SME Awards were launched last year to recognise small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. Debbie Gilbert, founder of The Best SME Awards, said: “This is the first year of these awards, and our judges have been incredibly impressed by the calibre of entries.

“Despite mounting pressures on businesses – from rising costs and funding challenges to navigating economic uncertainty – these finalists have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and strong leadership. We are proud to shine a spotlight on these outstanding SMEs, which are the backbone of the UK economy.”

Jon said whatever happens on the night, he is proud of what the team has built:

“Whatever the outcome, I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has built together,” he said.

Winners will be announced at a gala evening at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel on Friday April 24.