WILSONS Auctions, which has a branch in Newport, has been named as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s 'Top 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain'.

The report, now in its fifth year, is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs across the UK.

As one of six million private sector companies currently in business across the UK, being named in the 2018 list is seen as a significant achievement for Wilsons Auctions.

Having started as a single auction site in Northern Ireland, the family-owned business has seen steady growth in recent years having expanded to a total of 18 sites across Scotland, England, Wales and Republic of Ireland.

The most recent acquisition saw Wilsons Auctions open a dedicated auction house in Newport, with additional sites in Gateshead, North East England and Stoke in the West Midlands as it continues to build its national footprint.

With 400 staff and an annual hammer total in excess of £300m, Wilsons Auctions is a progressive and forward-thinking company with a passion for continually finding new ways to offer first rate sales and services to buyers and sellers alike.

Peter Johnston, Wilsons Auctions’ group operations director, said: “As the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland, we are thrilled to have been named by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the top 0.02 per cent companies that is ‘Inspiring Britain’.

"Wilsons Auctions is a forward-thinking company and thanks to the hard work and dedication given by the team across the group, this accolade is in recognition of the consistent growth within the company while strengthening our position within the auction industry.”

Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc, said: “We warmly congratulate all of the companies identified in this year’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report. Five years on, the report continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of British businesses across the country.

“These dynamic companies are the backbone of our economy, playing an important role in the UK’s ability to innovate, export and grow.

"This report is a significant part of London Stock Exchange Group’s broader campaign to support UK high growth companies. We are committed to championing British businesses and Britain’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit,” he concluded.

A family owned business, Wilsons Auctions was formed in 1936 in Northern Ireland and has grown to become the largest independent auction company in the British Isles with sites in the Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.