Leeds-based Independent Motor Auctions (IMA) has increased its sales ambition, investing over £200,000 and adding to its team as part of its expansion.

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

IMA has also created another job as part of its growth plans for 2017, recruiting Geoff Flood as commercial manager at the site in Morley.

Flood (pictured) has had commercial roles 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 over £200,000 in two new trucks to aid transportation.

IMA took over WCMA meaning the company moves into a new region but also into auctioning vans and motorbikes as well as cars.

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

IMA acquired the family-owned business due to retirement.

Managing director 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.

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.