Meet The Team
Daniel Daley
Founder & Managing Director
From an early age, Dan showed a keen interest in history and coins. He started collecting coins when he was just seven years old after digging up an 1862 halfpenny in his parents' garden. He progressed to buying coins at auctions, which he then sold on to local dealers. Whilst studying at college and later with a full-time job, Dan bought and sold coins as a hobby. He became a full-time coin dealer at 28, and with just £400 and a collection of old pennies started what today has become Lockdales.
carly simmons-sadler
General Manager
Carly has worked for Lockdales since 1998. During this time she has held various roles, which have given her a full understanding of all aspects of the business. As Lockdales' General Manager, she is an experienced administrator and passionate about delivering excellent customer service. Carly is well known to Lockdales' clients worldwide.
james sadler
Militaria & Collectables Expert
& Auction Manager
James has worked for Lockdales for over 20 years, during which time he has amassed expertise second to none! Medals & Militaria, Stamps, Postcards, Cigarette-Cards, and Football Programmes are his key areas of knowledge. His passion is history and the research of new and exciting finds that come to auction.
James is available by appointment.
sharna simmons BA(Hons)
Admin & 2nd Auctioneer
Sharna is Lockdales' Second Auctioneer, well known to bidders on Militaria, Stamps and Cards, as well as a relief auctioneer at the Fine Sale auctions. She also organises Lockdales' Valuation Day Roadshow events, in addition to general administration. Sharna is a well
known local singer and performer in musical theatre.
liza machan BA(Hons)
Head of Public Relations & Design.
& Executive PA to Daniel Daley
WIth over twenty years as a Freelance Designer and Photographer, Liza joined Lockdales in 2016 and has evolved from running the photography department to overseeing all digital and printed marketing and Public Relations. She splits her time between the office and travelling around the UK with our Valuation Roadshows and Antiques Fairs.
chris elmy BA(Hons)
Numismatics
Advertising & Publishing
Having collected coins since childhood, Chris joined Lockdales in 2003 after graduating from the University of Northampton. Chris's role involves cataloguing and photographing coins, as well as desktop publishing and advertising. Currently the Chairman of the Ipswich Numismatic Society, he has helped produce several books, websites and other resources for the coin collecting world.
lizzie shaw
Business Development Manager
Lizzie joined the Lockdales team in September 2020. With extensive experience managing large business operations, Lizzie focuses on improving systems and processes to ensure the best possible experience for our customers and staff. A keen sports enthusiast, Lizzie is Captain of Easton Ladies Cricket Team and an avid supporter of Ipswich Town FC.
alan mcilwain
Antiques Cataloguer
& Valuer
Alan began his career at the age of 13, when he started a comics and annuals business, which he sold in 2008 when taking his first job at a Cotswolds' auction house. He joined Lockdales in 2015. In charge of the Fine Sale, Alan is a familiar face at Lockdales' Valuation Day events, getting items consigned and catalogued for auction. Reserve auctioneer on sale days, Alan has a particular expertise in books, fountain pens and toys.
katherine daley
Auction Coordinator
"Chip-off-the-block" Katherine, joined the family business in June 2019 after returning to Suffolk from Cambridge where she had been working as an Assistant Store Manager.
With spitfire dynamism, Katherine keeps a tight-ship on the multifarious elements of pre- and post-auction procedures. After some convincing she effortlessly graced our celebratory 200th auction front cover draped in a pricey lot of emeralds and diamonds! (above)
callum sinclair
Saleroom Manager
Callum started at Lockdales as a temporary auction porter and has now become a lynch-pin of our growing team. Organised and unflappable, Callum is our go-to' oracle of all pre and post saleroom knowledge. Talented winger for Woodbridge Town FC, he now spends his spare time in the Gym.
jude machan
Fairs Manager
In light of Lockdales' expanding events diary, Jude having briefly escaped Suffolk for London has been cajoled back! He now manages and attends our stands at the numerous antiques fairs in and around the UK.
lydia micallef
P.J.Dip, fga
Jewellery Expert/Gemmologist
Recently welcomed addition to our team of experts, Jewellery trade veteran Lydia has scooped up the tasks responsibilities of this ever-expanding section of our fine sale with aplomb. Self-professed lover and enthusiast of all that sparkles, Lydia has a passion for Victorian jewellery.
luke simmons
Head Porter
Towering above the rest of us and hence known as The Skyscraper in his darts league, Luke completed his apprenticeship here at Lockdales and we are delighted to announce he has decided to stay with us as a full-time employee
MOLLie Townes
Photographer
Mollie joined our busy photography department in summer 2021 helping to take the thousands of photographs of all the lots for the online and printed auction catalogues. A keen horse rider, Mollie likes to spend her spare time with her two horses, Buster & Heather.
Scott Falteisek BA(Hons)
Accounts & Administration
Scott has been with Lockdales for over fifteen years. Sometimes out with the team on Valuation Day Roadshows, Scott is an unbeatable quiz virtuoso.
