Leeds-based Independent Motor Auctions (IMA) has invested more than £200,000, increased its sales targets and added to its team as part of its expansion plans.

The company will now hold a weekly commercial van sale at its Leeds branch, adding to its three car sales a week.

It has also recruited Geoff Flood as commercial manager at the site in Morley. He joins the company with many years’ experience in the sector having worked in commercial roles at organisations including SMA and BCA.

This expansion is part of family-run IMA’s plans which saw the company acquire West Coast Motor Auctions (WCMA) in Poulton-le-Fylde near Blackpool in November 2016 in a deal worth a seven-figure sum.

Two new jobs have already been created at the new site and, in addition, IMA has invested more than £200,000 in two new trucks to aid transportation.

All 16 of WCMA’s original staff were retained as part of the takeover, adding to IMA’s current team of 22.

IMA is owned and managed by the Lane family with Justin Lane recently taking over from his father, John, as managing director following his retirement.

Justin Lane said: “Our acquisition at the end of last year is resulting in huge growth plans for the business as a whole and we’re in the process of creating a number of new opportunities.

"Geoff brings with him many years of valuable experience and increasing our weekly sales means we need people like him to assist with our expansion.”

IMA counts major names such as Vantage Motors, Jennings, SG Petch, Colin Appleyard, Richard Hardie, Derek Slack, Cars2, Burrows Motor Group, John Roe Toyota, Days Fleet, Northside Mercedes and many more as clients. 

As well as the new Blackpool site, IMA occupies three acres on Bruntcliffe Lane in Morley and employs a team of 22 there with three auctions every week. In addition, IMA also offers online auction bidding to its trade customers through its Livebid software which has created four new jobs.

More articles on: