The History of South East Marts

South East Marts originated from Haywards Heath Market and a company called T. Bannister & Co., which was founded in 1866. In 1988 a restructuring took place with the formation of South East Marts and the joining up of Guildford, Hailsham, Heathfield and latterly Thame and Winslow Markets. 1990 saw the closure of Haywards Heath Market and the smaller market at Heathfield closed a few years later.

In 1995 South East Marts became part of the ADM (UK) Ltd. Group, which is based in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

The livestock auction industry has been decimated by the BSE crisis and market closures for twelve months during the last outbreak of foot and mouth disease. The substantial development of central market sites has seen both Haywards Heath and Guildford Market close. Thame and Winslow market have been sold back to the farming community.

Hailsham Market remains, providing an auction service to livestock producers in the south east.

Hailsham Market is a traditional charter market, situated in Hailsham town centre, dating back to 1252, and we are proud to say that we are the only livestock market still running in Sussex today.

Hailsham Market has a dedicated team of staff, with many years of experience under our belts. Not only do we run a twice-weekly livestock market, but we also excel ourselves with 'On-the-Farm Sales', where we run a very comprehensive service for our clients in conducting on-site sales. We also run periodic collective sales at Ardingly, Herstmonceux and Hailsham. Our sales team can sell 'Whatever, Whenever, Wherever!'