SDL Auctions, one of the UK’s largest auction networks, has announced a record-breaking number of 40 dates for its 2018 auction calendar.

The increase in dates – up from 37 in 2017 – follows a successful year when the company expanded into Manchester and the North West, as well as increasing activity in its established areas of Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and Cheshire and North Wales.

Rory Daly, chief executive and auctioneer at SDL Auctions, said: “The last 12 months have seen us break various records, including holding the biggest ever Birmingham auction and setting a record for sale values in Nottingham.

“We have also expanded into the North West opening a Manchester city centre office and offering 100 lots in just nine months since launching in the region.

“All this activity and expansion across the country means that we’ve had to increase the number of auctions in 2018 to 40 – the highest number SDL Auctions has ever held in one year.”

The 2018 auctions will be held at the AJ Bell Stadium in Manchester, Villa Park in Birmingham, Pride Park Stadium in Derby, Nottingham Racecourse, the King Power Stadium in Leicester and Chester Racecourse.

The auction calendar kicks off at Nottingham Racecourse on 31 January and concludes at Pride Park Stadium in Derby on 14 December.

Mr Daly added: “Vendors and purchasers do not need to go to London for regular big property auctions, as we’re providing several every month across the UK.

“Our growing number of auctions shows that despite the wider static economy, vendors are increasingly choosing auctions because it’s a fast and efficient way of achieving high prices and a secure sale.”