Whether it’s tending to A-list cellars or exploring the Chinese mountains of Ningxia in search of interesting varieties, the ever enthusiastic and endlessly creative Douglas Blyde just doesn’t stop.

Used to doing things its own way and anticipating the market with unparalleled acuity, Corney & Barrow was the first to develop close relationships between private customers and growers.

Art sleuth Philip Mould recently celebrated 30 years in the industry, during which time he has made a name uncovering seminal pieces of lost work, including some of Gainsborough’s earliest known works and lost Van Dycks.

Viola Raikhel-Bolot founded 1858 Ltd Art Advisory in 2004 with Harvey Mendelson after noticing  a latent demand for impartial advice on art market transactions. Almost 15 years later, the firm has expanded to encompass bespoke services for every stage of the collection lifecycle, advising on curating, collection management, purchases and art finance.

Burgundy specialist Goedhuis & Co has had another ‘brilliant’ year, according to founder and chairman Johnny Goedhuis. A name synonymous with quality in product and service, the firm has been notably active in the region since it was founded in 1981 and hasn’t looked back since.