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Our History and Heritage

Wm Sykes & Son have been helping the people of Holmfirth and the surrounding areas buy and sell property for 150 years. The business holds a special place in the history of Holmfirth and is well known, trusted and respected amongst the local community.

In the early days, the business dealt with auction sales of livestock, goods and property, valuations of property and industrial sales, as well as stock taking valuations for many local businesses including mills, public houses and farms. The business still has strong connections in agriculture and has often served many generations of the same family.

1866

William Sykes started his business as an Auctioneer in Holmfirth aged 20. His first premises was at Bridge Lane, before moving to the current premises on Huddersfield Road.

1873

A new residence and auction rooms were built at Victoria Place near the top of Bridge Lane.

1888

Extended his Huddersfield business, moving from Rhodes Yard to premises at Exchange Buildings near the Exchange Hotel, Imperial Arcade.

1895

William Sykes died, leaving a wife, two sons and nine daughters. His son, Herbert R Sykes (born 1874) took over the business. He had held an auctioneers licence since 1889.

1933

Herbert Sykes died aged 59. Probate was granted to his brother, William Sykes junior (also an Auctioneer), and his sisters, Emmeline Sykes and Kathleen Winifred Sykes. After the retirement of Herbert Sykes, the business continued to be managed by members of the Sykes family – William Sykes junior and William Sykes Shaw.

1960s

Vernon Dixon, who had joined the firm in 1952, and had been a partner since 1956, bought the business from the Sykes family. The family heritage continued, operating at the Huddersfield and Penistone cattle markets.

1970

Paul Dixon joined the business, a few days before his 16th birthday. In July 1970, the Sude Hill, New Mill, saleroom was opened.

1983

In December, the business was passed onto his son, Paul Dixon following Vernon’s passing. Paul Dixon, who is very much a part of the business today, is responsible for the auctioneering sector of the business.

1998

Paul’s son, Rob Dixon, joined the firm. Rob has worked his way up and is now a Partner. He oversees the day-to-day running of Wm Sykes & Son.

2016

Wm Sykes & Son celebrate 150 years in business. A trusted firm for generations, the company’s partners, Rob and Paul Dixon, along with their team, continue to help the community buy and sell their homes.

2017

We open our Slaithwaite office. Joined by Jane Stocks, we help the people of the Colne Valley and the surrounding areas to sell and rent their homes.