RECORD results were reported from Euro Auctions' three-day start of year auction of used industrial plant, construction machinery and agricultural equipment, at it's Leeds site.

The unreserved auction between January 31 and February 2, saw the total hammer fall at more than £40.5m – up almost 30% up on the previous year’s opening sale. The total number of lots sold also topped the 4500 mark delivering an average lot price of almost £9000.

Total bidder numbers were also up almost 20% to more than 2600; with more than half opting to be online bidders.

Looking at the actual vendors, the sale comprised of equipment from more than 460 consignors from 26 countries with around one in 14 being first time sellers.

“We were absolutely delighted with how the start of the year has gone with growth being achieved right across the board at the opening auction of 2018 at our Leeds site,” reported Jonnie Keys, operations manager of Euro Auctions.

“Demand for quality used and ‘as new’ plant and equipment in the UK and around the globe is definitely on the rise. We’re seeing record growth in the overall number of consignors and the number of lots consigned, along with jumps in registered bidders, the number of successful first time buyers, and the average lot prices achieved."

He added: "Our Leeds auction attracts a truly global audience, with depth in numbers in the UK, from across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, but also ever growing interest from the USA, Far East and Australia.”

Euro Auctions also conducts sales worldwide, to include the first sale of the year at its new Dubai site on March 5; closely followed by a one day sale in Zaragoza, Spain the next day. Under the Yoder and Frey banner there was also the Kissimmee Winter sale in Florida, USA mid February; and a one day sale at its site in Ashland, Ohio site on March 15.