Biddle and Webb loves supporting local charities and last Friday was a unique night for us as a company. We were hosting two of the largest charity auctions on the same night. Jeremy was at Acorns selling lots of memorabilia from the Peaky Blinders set whilst I was supporting the team at the Lord Mayor’s Charity dinner at the International Convention Centre.

The ICC room was a challenge as there were more than three hundred and fifty guests, in a vast space, with the auctioneer in the centre. So what the team came up with was a fun way to use our bidding system whilst at the same time entertaining the guests at the dinner. The diners were given the opportunity to take selfies, on their own phones, and then bid for the lots.  As they bid their picture appears on the large screens in the hall. It allows the operator to add to the drama by throwing in spurious characters like Homer Simpson. For the auctioneer it allowed a little bit of extra colour to proceedings that many people have become tired of.

We have long been a supporter of Acorns, which are the leading Children’s charity in Birmingham, not only by hosting their events but also by building software that helps them identify whether an item has intrinsic value. We are able to quickly tell them whether a picture, antique, old toy, or a piece of silver or jewellery would make anything at auction.  We do the same for the Salvation Army on a national basis as well, who are a well-organised outfit.

This year’s Lord Mayor’s charity raised money for small causes, which do not have their own administration, and fund-raising teams. Charities that make a big social difference like those hosting meetings for the elderly, that live alone, and youth groups which have largely been ignored. Both auctions were very well supported and we are proud and privileged to take part in these events which are at the heart of our great City.

David Biddle