About Us

Established in 1793, Adkin has transformed over the years from an auctioneer & printing firm to the dynamic, and highly regarded, rural surveying and development practice it is today.

The business is built on an in-depth knowledge of the environment in which we work and the firm links forged with the farming and rural community over so many years.

As rural property has evolved and changed over time, so too has Adkin to ensure that our surveyors are fully equipped and experienced to deal with any new legislation, ventures or issues that may impact our clients.

As clients have also changed, either generationally or as property changes hands, Adkin understand how the objectives clients hold will vary and we continually adapt to ensure what we deliver meets their individual needs.

We continually strive to offer a first class and personal service, providing clients with the expert knowledge and experience which will enable them to manage property to the greatest effect.

Adkin
Adkin offices

A Short History of Adkin

The earliest records show that in 1793, Edward John Belcher of Wantage set up as an auctioneer and a printer.  Kelly’s directory for 1840 listed his son John as an auctioneer, appraiser and surveyor.   The name Belcher then went on to have a long term association with Adkin over the next 217 years.

In 1877, J B King began trading at 14 High Street, Abingdon, which was to become the Abingdon office of Adkin, Belcher & Bowen in 1956.  The Adkin name first came into the frame when, in 1902, J B King went into partnership with Charles Duncan Adkin.

By 1914, the firm was trading under the name of Adkin, Belcher & Bowen, and was holding weekly Sales of Stock in Abingdon market, as well as the Abingdon Annual Spring Sale and the Didcot Wool Sale.

On 15th December 1958, a new Livestock Market was opened in Abingdon, with Adkin, Belcher & Bowen appointed as Auctioneers.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Adkin, Belcher & Bowen saw several amalgamations with other practices, and started practicing under the name of Adkin & Co.

By 1972, there were branches at Didcot, Newbury, Oxford, Wallingford and Wantage.  As well as dealing with Rural matters, there were specialist departments for House Sales and Valuations, Structural Surveys and Reports, Town Planning and Compensation Assessment and the Sale and Valuation of Antiques and Fine Arts.

In 1989, Adkin was bought by TSB at which point Philip Pocock and Julian Sayers joined the new Management Board for the business.

By 1996, TSB were looking to sell their interest. Philip Pocock, Julian Sayers and Simon Alden saw a great opportunity, purchased the agricultural side of the business, and started Adkin Rural & Commercial. In 2012 Sarah Payne joined Philip, Julian and Simon as a Director.

Philip retired as a Director in 2015 but still remains very much part of the team as a Consultant.

In 2019, Emily Ham, Kerry Holbrook-Bull and Alison Bowler became shareholders and Directors to bolster the senior team.

Today, the firm is known simply as Adkin and continues to grow and develop at their rural offices in the picturesque village of Ardington on the Lockinge Estate.