Sutton furniture auction startup goes online during coronavirus restrictions

Dean Carpenter and Adam Cartwright started Carpenter&Cartwright Furniture Auctions Ltd in March – just as the global pandemic hit.

Their intention was to hold weekly auctions at their showroom on Coxmoor Road of new, seconds, end of line, discontinued and clearance stock from leading manufacturers, importers and retailers.

But social distancing rules meant this was impossible and they had to develop a coronavirus survival strategy for their startup.

Director Dean Carpenter said: “As Boris Johnson announced lock down, we were unable to go any further until further notice.

“Opening a business is a bit difficult at the best of times – in lockdown it was a bit scary.

“All our booked deliveries and discussions with possible vendors were firmly placed on hold whilst we all sat and waited to see what happened next.”

As restrictions were lifted, they were able to access the premises again and continue preparations on building for auctions.

Dean added: “We were able to accept the few deliveries from companies still able to continue operating in these difficult times.

“It has been a very difficult time for everyone during this bizarre and surreal time, hardly the ideal time to prepare opening your brand-new company.

“However through a lot of patience, determination and help from fellow businesses in the furniture industries we are now up and running and have successfully held our first two auctions. We will go back to in-house auctions when they lift the restrictions.”

Visit their website here

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