Despite the current economic uncertainty, van buyers are still out in numbers and there is plenty of interest in good clean vans that can be put straight to work, according to BCA.

Duncan Ward, BCA’s UK business development manager – commercial vehicles, said: “Although it would be misleading to say the market came back with a vengeance in September, there was an upturn in activity in the auction halls and a fragile confidence returned to the marketplace.”

Mr Ward said that with a ready supply of vehicles for sale, it is more important than ever to make sure that they are offered in good condition.

He said: “The benefits of preparing vehicles prior to sale are well documented, but the message cannot be repeated enough when demand is that bit thinner.

"Cost should not be an obstacle – we calculate that we see returns of approximately three times the refurbishment cost in terms of additional bids in the auction hall.

"In the current market, that might be the difference between selling or not reaching reserve.”