Kivells - Exeter

Kivells can be traced back to 1885 when William Thomas Kivell set himself up in business as an auctioneer and land agent, first in Pyworthy and then in Holsworthy.

What follows is an account of the Kivell family over four generations in the development of the firm of Kivells, from its origins as a one-man business in the late nineteenth century to its position today as one of the leading firms of Auctioneers, property agents and chartered surveyors in the West Country.

William Kivell went on to grow the business and was joined by his sons forming Kivell and Sons, selling farm property and holding livestock auctions.

Kivells is a very different firm from that founded by William Thomas Kivell in 1885, however the nature of the business and its ethics remain the same all be it with a much larger area of operation.

The firm has recently became a limited company with one of the five directors being David Kivell, a great-grandson of William Kivell.

It is organised around five divisions:-

• Agricultural sales and auctions (including the 3 livestock markets at Holsworthy, Hallworthy and Exeter and on farm sales throughout the Westcountry).
• Farm, Residential and Commercial Property (covering sales, auctions and lettings).
• Professional and Valuation work (including surveys, property management, rent reviews and full project management)
• Machinery and Heritage department (specialise in the sale of steam engines and all manner of vehicles, agricultural and domestic bygones).

Kivells now operate from 5 main offices (Exeter, Holsworthy, Launceston, Liskeard and Bude) and 3 market centres (Holsworthy, Exeter and Hallworthy) and the firm employs around 170 full and part-time staff.