Black Country-based property group Bond Wolfe is planning to take o n up to 15 new staff next year as business continues to improves.

The company said its auction house had experienced its best ever year and has reported office occupancy in places like West Bromwich increasing as businesses opt for rents that are cheaper than those available in neighbouring Birmingham.

Paul Bassi, chairman of Bond Wolfe, based in West Plaza, High Street West Bromwich, said: “2010 has been very good year for us.

“Rents here are between £10 and £12 per square foot, whereas it is at least double that in Birmingham, where you would pay between £20 to £30, so many firms have decided it is prudent to take on space here.

“Sales at auction have been very strong throughout the year, which is the best in the 30 years we have been going.

“We have certainly seen more people opting to buy property and rent it out, as they are getting almost no return on cash in the banks. Also the rental market is so buoyant at the moment.”

Mr Bassi said the company is planning to increase staffing levels by around 10 per cent in the new year.

He said: “We are looking to expand and take on between 10 to 15 new members of staff across the board. I am confident that 2011-12 will be another good year for us.”

The Bond Wolfe Partnership was established in July 1983. It has a property portfolio of shops, offices, residential and care homes.

Its auction house and estate agency has aggregate sales in the region of £200 million and it is listed amongst the top 20 UK auction houses.

By Sally Walmsley