By Oscar Woods 
Adrian Higham net worth has become a topic of growing interest among fans of BBC’s The Bidding Room. The antiques dealer, known professionally as “Adi,” has built an estimated fortune between £1 million and £2.5 million through decades of buying and selling vintage treasures.
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From £10 Bike to Million Pound Business
Born in 1969 in the United Kingdom, Higham’s path to financial success started with a simple transaction at age 21. He purchased a mountain bike at a local village auction for just £10 and sold it for £90 through a newspaper advertisement. That tenfold profit sparked what would become a 30 year career in the antiques trade.
Today, Higham runs Hoof Brocante, an antiques business based in Romney Marsh, East Sussex. The shop operates from two old buildings on a former RAF base near the Kent border and specializes in French decorative antiques, vintage furniture, and mechanical items.
Television Success Adds to Wealth
The Bidding Room on BBC One brought Higham into the national spotlight starting in 2020. As one of the original dealers on the show hosted by Nigel Havers, he appeared in approximately 40 episodes across multiple series through 2025. His warm personality and expert knowledge made him a fan favorite among the show’s three million viewers.
Television appearances provided additional income streams beyond his core antiques business. Industry observers note that his BBC role likely contributed significantly to his overall net worth, though exact figures for his television earnings remain private.
Building Hoof Brocante
The backbone of Adrian Higham net worth comes from his business model. He and his wife Tara Franklin travel regularly to France, particularly the Normandy region, to source items at French markets and vide greniers (attic sales). This cross channel strategy allows them to purchase stock at lower prices and sell to UK customers interested in shabby chic and industrial aesthetics.
Key business areas include:
- Galvanized metal and architectural salvage
- French vintage furniture and brocante
- Mechanical toys and steam related objects
- Vintage signage and industrial pieces
- Motorcycles and classic vehicles
Tara Franklin, a textiles expert who organizes the Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair, works alongside Higham as a business partner. Their combined expertise creates a strong foundation for the enterprise.
Personal Challenges and Health Journey
Higham’s financial journey included difficult personal periods. His first wife passed away in 2003, a loss that deeply affected him. Following her death, he gained significant weight, reaching 36 stone (504 pounds) by 2015.
A health crisis that year became a turning point. He collapsed on a ferry due to his weight, prompting doctors to warn him about serious health risks. Determined to change, Higham participated in the Prudential Ride London Fixing Challenge in 2017, which included a customized fitness program and lifestyle changes. The weight loss journey improved both his physical health and mental wellbeing.
Recent Developments
In 2025, legal troubles emerged when Brighton Magistrates’ Court issued an interim Stalking Protection Order following a neighbor dispute in Rotherfield. Higham denied the allegations, describing the situation as causing him extreme stress. The legal cloud later lifted when the order was withdrawn and police confirmed evidence did not meet criminal thresholds.
The dispute temporarily affected his television appearances, with Higham stepping back from The Bidding Room. In July 2025, he announced on Instagram his decision to step away from social media and television entirely, stating his life with Tara was his priority.
Current Financial Standing
Most sources estimate Adrian Higham net worth at approximately £1 million as of 2025, though some assessments place it higher at £1.5 million to £2.5 million. This wealth reflects:
- Three decades of antiques dealing experience
- A successful business with established clientele
- Television income from multiple BBC series
- Property ownership in the UK and France
Despite stepping back from the public eye, Higham continues operating Hoof Brocante. The business attracts interior designers, collectors, and antiques enthusiasts from across the United Kingdom who appreciate his curated selections and expertise in French vintage items.
What Sets Him Apart
Industry professionals note that Higham’s success comes from his ability to spot value in items others might overlook. His specialization in mechanical objects, vintage toys, and industrial pieces carved out a specific market niche. Rather than focusing on high end Georgian furniture or fine art, he found his passion in items with character and history.
His philosophy centers on believing antiques should bring joy and personality to spaces, not just serve as investments. This approach resonates with customers seeking authentic, story rich pieces rather than pristine collectibles.
Looking Forward
At 56 years old in 2025, Higham maintains his antiques business while prioritizing his personal wellbeing and relationship with Tara Franklin. While his television career may have paused, his decades of expertise and established business continue generating income.
The antiques dealer’s journey from a £10 bike purchase to a million pound enterprise demonstrates the potential of combining passion with business acumen. Adrian Higham net worth represents not just financial success, but a life dedicated to preserving history through vintage treasures.
His story serves as a reminder that building wealth takes time, expertise, and resilience through personal challenges. For those interested in visiting Hoof Brocante, the business operates by appointment in Romney Marsh, offering a curated selection of French industrial items, vintage toys, and unique garden ornaments.