• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Thursday April 30 2026

Auctioneer celebrates Best New Business win at SME awards

A Royal Wootton Bassett business has picked up a national award just two years after launching.

RWB Auctions has been named Best New Business at the Best SME Awards, recognising its early growth in a competitive industry.

The business was set up by Jon White, who converted a former supermarket into a premium saleroom, complete with a gallery space and on-site cafe bistro.

“I am incredibly proud of RWB Auctions for winning Best New Business at the Best SME Awards,” Jon said.

“Finding our footing in a competitive industry has been a real challenge, but in the two years since our first sale, we have seen remarkable success.

“This award is a testament to the hard work that has brought us to this point and to the fantastic, dedicated team that has made it possible.”

Members of the team travelled to Daventry for the ceremony, alongside businesses from across the UK. The Best SME Awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting those showing strong growth and performance in their sectors.

Grace Leo, auction administrator at RWB Auctions, said the win came as a surprise on the night. “The team had an amazing night, celebrating great businesses from across the UK,” she said.

“We did not expect to win Best New Business, but we are absolutely thrilled to bring home the trophy. It was also fantastic to see other Wiltshire businesses picking up prestigious prizes.”

The judges said RWB Auctions has made a strong start in a traditional sector, bringing a more modern and customer-focused approach.

They highlighted the team’s clear understanding of their costs and market, and their willingness to make difficult decisions early on, which has helped move the business forward.

They also pointed to the company’s focus on customer service, noting that in just two years it has seen strong growth and built up a high number of five-star Google reviews.

“It’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point, so to see it recognised like this is a great moment for the team,” Jon said. “We’re looking forward to building on it.”