Leeds-based Independent Motor Auctions (IMA) has started its period of recruitment following the acquisition of a Lancashire firm as part of its expansion plans.
Family-run IMA took over West Coast Motor Auctions (WCMA) in Poulton-le-Fylde near Blackpool in November in a deal worth an undisclosed seven-figure sum to include the business and property.
The company has now appointed a new sales director to manage growth at both sites. Michael McMullan joins the team bringing with him over 20 years’ experience in sales and development with luxury brands and within the remarketing industry.
Michael joined the remarketing industry eight years ago with SMA Vehicle Remarketing, formerly Scottish Motor Auctions, as the branch manager at Livingston. Michael then went on to become regional manager and national auction manager overseeing the company’s operations in all five SMA locations around the UK, prior to its £43-million-pound sale to British Car Auctions in June 2015.
In addition to his remarketing expertise, Michael brings a huge wealth of experience in the retail motor industry having spent many years working for prestige brands and dealer groups.
At IMA, Michael will be responsible for the growth and volume sales at both Leeds and Blackpool.
Michael said: “I’m joining IMA at a very interesting time in the company’s development which provides me with an incredible opportunity. I’m also really excited to be joining an independent and family-run auction business- known for its first-class customer service and a personal and progressive approach to doing business.”
IMA took over WCMA as part of its expansion plans as the company not only branches into a new region but also into auctioning motorbikes as well as cars. The business has been rebranded as Independent Motor Auctions Blackpool with all 16 of WCMA’s original staff being retained, adding to IMA’s current team of 22. WCMA has a longstanding reputation spanning almost 30 years and IMA has acquired the family-owned business due to retirement.
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. Since taking full ownership of IMA in 2006, the Lanes along with Martin Britton and their team have continually increased turnover which has recently reached in the region of £20 million
Speaking about Michael’s appointment, Justin Lane said: “Following our recent acquisition, we need to ensure we have a strong, experienced team to take us forward during 2017. It’s a very exciting time to be in our industry, especially in a business such as ours which is flying the flag for independent auction companies, of which there are very few remaining.
“Michael has a good combination of both sales and sector experience which is a real asset to our business. He’ll have the responsibility of achieving our volume aspirations in both our Leeds operation and our new site in Blackpool as we work towards growing both companies in 2017.”
IMA is the only independent, family-run motor auction business in West Yorkshire and operates from Scotland down to Birmingham counting major names such as Vantage Motors, Jennings, SG Petch, Colin Appleyard, Richard Hardie, Derek Slack, Cars2, Burrows Motor Group, John Roe Toyota and many more as clients. This will now increase further thanks to the acquisition of WCMA.
IMA occupies three acres on Bruntcliffe Lane in Morley and employs a team of 22 with three auctions every week. In addition, IMA also offers online auction bidding to its trade customers through its LIVEBID software which has created 4 new jobs