Property specialist SDL Group has been named one of the fastest growing businesses in the east midlands, after seeing a 75% uplift in profits over the past three years.

The group’s activities include running the Century 21 franchise in the UK.

Having ranked 188th last year, the Nottingham-based firm has accelerated up to 15th place in this year’s East Midlands Top 200 Report produced by financial and business advisers Grant Thornton UK LLP in partnership with the CBI.

Formerly known as Shepherd Direct Ltd, the firm rebranded under the trading name SDL Group in 2016 and has acquired a number of businesses, including auction house Graham Penny.

Since then, it has reported an operating profit of more than £3.5m, with its workforce nearly tripling since 2014.

Colin Anderton, chief financial officer at SDL Group, said the business has now launched a new Auction Partners network aimed at estate agents.