ATG features in ECI Partners Growth Index 2019

ATG has been profiled in ECI Partners’ Growth Index 2019 – the only research in the UK focused exclusively on growth companies.

Now in its 10th year, this year’s ECI Partners Growth Index looks at what the future holds for UK business growth, how growth companies have fared over the past decade, the current state of play for UK growth businesses, and what the next decade has in store.

In interview with ECI Partners, ATG CEO John-Paul describes being drawn to ATG three years ago because it was at the cusp of revolutionising three multi-billion-pound industries – Arts & Antiques, Industrial & Commercial, and Consumer Surplus & Retail Returns – by facilitating their online transformation. The concept fits the growing consumer trend for unique and second use items not on the high street.

There was also a paradigm shift in consumer mindset regarding the environment, he says. “People are becoming more aware of our impact on the planet and the importance of buying second-hand versus new, which can reduce our carbon footprint by 16 times,” enthuses John-Paul, who is quick to point out that ATG is more environmentally friendly than the big retailers.

Unlike eBay, which is a consumer-to-consumer selling platform, every item sold on ATG is curated by auctioneers who have years of experience. This was a key motivation for John-Paul who believes ATG has a better market positioning than eBay and offers a better buying experience because items are of a guaranteed quality and condition, and the auctioneer expertise brings a level of trust not found elsewhere in the secondary market.

Wind the clock back 10 years ATG’s three core industries were virtually non-existent online. Since then, ATG has evolved from being a founder-led start-up, to becoming a leading digital marketplace in secondary goods items.

Fast forward 10 years from now and John-Paul hopes that secondary goods will be the mainstream, accepted and preferred way to buy for a new generation of people who are more conscious about the value in unique and quality items. He believes people will view these items as ‘better than new’. Moreover, they have practical use and many items come a story behind them—all without having damaged the environment in the process.

To read the full report and interview with John-Paul, click here.