About Us

A trusted marketplace connecting farmers, growers, and suppliers with transparent and efficient auction services since our founding.

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Heritage and Trust

With over 75 years serving the UK’s horticultural and florist trade, we’ve built lasting relationships founded on reliability and integrity.

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Quality and Variety

From fresh cut flowers and plants to horticultural supplies and seasonal produce, we take pride in offering quality products across every category.

Service and Support

Our friendly, knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping buyers and sellers get the most from every auction and wholesale order.

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Commitment to the Trade

As a key hub for growers, wholesalers, and florists, we’re passionate about supporting the horticultural industry and helping it thrive.

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Established in 1946

Our History

Serving the horticultural and florist trade for decades, Spalding Auction has become a trusted hub for growers, suppliers, and buyers across the UK.

A large group of people seated in rows of chairs inside a spacious room with high windows, attending an event or meeting where three individuals stand on a raised platform at the front, with one man speaking to the audience and others seated behind a podium.

Autumn 1946

First auction house

Richard Longstaff (R Longstaff & Co) started Spalding Bulb Auction using a marquee for sale of bulbs.

1948

Joined with 3 other firms:

S & G Kingston, Tateson & Shearer, White Sons & Lumby.

First Building

Erected 1^st building on the lorry park at The Cattle Market, Spalding and enlarged product range to include bulbs (in season) vegetables (all year round), cut flowers and soft fruit (in season).

Large warehouse interior with high ceiling and metal roof beams, filled with stacked bags of produce on metal racks and wooden pallets, and several boxes on the floor, with a person standing in the distance.

Large warehouse with stacks of red mesh bags filled with onions organized on wooden pallets and metal racks under a ceiling with fluorescent lights.

1950 to 1970

Expansion

Continued expansion with further buildings and specialist sale halls on leased SHDC land at The Cattle Market. Up to 100,000 sq.ft. with 30 employees.

1992

Spalding Cattle Market closed.

Large indoor warehouse with rows of stacked cardboard boxes labeled 'Fresh Blooms' and 'Flowers,' holding wrapped flower bouquets and floral arrangements on tables and the floor under metal roof beams and windows.

1995

Relocation

Re-development of whole markets area site by SHDC, resulting in Spalding Auction’s relocation, in May 1995, to freehold land at Enterprise Way, Pinchbeck.

1995 to 2026

Development by Spalding Auctions of buildings on the new site, now comprising 50,000 sq.ft. of Auction and Sale Halls, with staff of 25.

Development of Specialist Horticultural Supplies, and Florist Sundries Departments.

Brick and metal warehouse building with a sign reading 'SPALDING AUCTION' and a reception door under a green sign.

Now

Now trading as
Spalding Horticultural Centre

3 Auction Sales a week throughout the year – the largest Horticultural Auction in the UK.

Have a Question? We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re new to our auction or looking for specific horticultural products, our team is ready to assist.