A successful auction market operating in south Cumbria has bolstered its team with a new farmstock manager. 

North West Auctions (NWA), part of the L and K group of companies, has appointed Paul Gentry to the role.

NWA deals at the J36 Rural Auction Centre at Crooklands and Wyresdale Road in Lancaster.

Mr Gentry, who has more than 30 years in the livestock business and recently worked at Newark livestock market, said he was “unbelievably excited” to join the team.

“I’m absolutely made up,” he said.

“It’s already a great organisation with incredible facilities and I’m excited to work with such a dynamic team of young keen staff.”

“All I want to say to the farmers is that I am all ears. Whatever they want to say or anything like that, I am ready, we are all hands on in this business.” 

In 2013, North West Auctions relocated from Kendal to a 25-acre purpose-built Auction Centre just off the M6 at J36 where it now sits alongside more than 25 rural businesses, on Exhibition Hall and the Conference Centre. 

Having worked in the auction market industry since he left school at the age of 16-years-old, Mr Gentry said he was thrilled to work in Cumbria and help entrepreneurs find their footing in this particular industry. 

“It’s another reason why I was so excited to take on this role as I want to help young auctioneers grow and succeed, and this organisation is full of them,” said Mr Gentry, who has known John Geldard, a director of the L and K Group, since their school days. 

Mr Geldard said: “I first met Paul when he started at Banbury market and I am so delighted that he’s come to join our force. With his wealth of knowledge in farming and livestock it will be a great step forward for our business.” 

Mr Geldard said the young enthusiastic staff at J36 would benefit greatly from Mr Gentry’s skills and knowledge. Mr Gentry added that it was ‘unbelievable’ that the pair had reunited after such a long time. 

“I first met John when I was 14 years old and was dressing sheep for shows and sales and we’ve always kept vaguely in touch but it’s great to come back in a full circle and work with him again.”