Over nearly 25 years, Fine Art Group has grown from a boutique fine art advisory and investment firm in Mayfair to a thriving global team supporting clients around the world. Their long-standing partnership with ctm has played a key role in that journey, proving invaluable when new IT complexities arose during their international expansion.
When Fine Art Group acquired a US-based company in 2021, they called on ctm to integrate IT systems across both sides of the Atlantic. ctm helped Fine Art Group move to a unified, cloud-based infrastructure that allows their widespread team to efficiently work and collaborate across the globe. This adaptable IT environment not only supports Fine Art Group’s ambitious growth plans but also keeps their clients’ sensitive data secure.
“ctm take a more holistic approach than most IT support companies. They don’t just deliver what you ask for — they work with you to achieve your goals and proactively suggest improvements along the way.” Karen Smith, Director of Corporate Services, Compliance & HR
As Fine Art Group grew from a small, London-based operation to a global company with 100 staff, their IT needs became increasingly complex.
ctm had already been providing IT support since 2009. Following the acquisition of a US-based business in 2021 — at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — Fine Art Group needed to integrate and streamline the two different IT systems, including servers, user identities and data management.
This would enable the company to continue operating efficiently across its global offices, and provide a solid foundation for future growth.
“Our goal was an integrated IT system. We needed everyone on the same email domain and a shared file structure.” Karen Smith, Director of Corporate Services, Compliance & HR
ctm began with a detailed audit of the acquired company’s systems, identifying immediate priorities and creating a roadmap for switching to a cloud-based, unified IT setup.
“ctm gave us ‘fix now’ and ‘fix later’ points and guided us on moving to the cloud. They were enormously helpful in mapping a pathway forward to integrate the two systems so we could work seamlessly across our global teams.” Karen Smith, Director of Corporate Services, Compliance & HR
The overhaul included replacing approximately 75% of the US hardware as Fine Art Group shifted from a hybrid Mac/PC environment to an all-PC setup for domain consistency. ctm also introduced Microsoft 365, centralising email, file sharing, and collaboration on a single, user-friendly platform.
“Transitioning to the new setup was a big learning curve for users, but ctm’s prompt responses and early handholding made a big difference,” recalls Daryl Boling, Fine Art Group’s Director of Operational Compliance for the Americas. This included after-hours support for West Coast staff, and help with new SharePoint structures.
“The ctm team all have a great bedside manner — very congenial and professional — and they resolve issues quickly. It’s refreshing to see a company that provides tech solutions also prioritising positive human interactions.” Daryl Boling, Director of Operational Compliance for the Americas
Centralising systems and data has made teamwork easier across Fine Art Group’s dispersed workforce. “It’s improving collaboration, especially with shared resources across our global teams,” says Karen Smith, Fine Art Group’s Director of Corporate Services, Compliance, and HR.
“We’re still in the transition period but can already see the new system will be much more efficient for everybody.”
The move to a cloud-first environment has also increased Fine Art Group’s ability to recruit high-calibre staff without geographic constraints.
“Being able to support fully remote work has changed our ability to attract and retain talent. We can now reach talent we might have missed if they had to be office-based.” Daryl Boling, Director of Operational Compliance for the Americas
Given that Fine Art Group works with sensitive client data, they have always prioritised robust cybersecurity. ctm supports this by ensuring a streamlined IT system with modern security measures, and continuous vigilance. At ctm’s recommendation, Fine Art Group were early adopters of multi-factor authentication.
"Our work involves handling clients' confidential information, so it's essential that our clients and referral partners in the wealth management space trust the security of our IT environment. I feel confident in ctm’s ability to help us keep leading the way in this area.” Daryl Boling, Director of Operational Compliance for the Americas
Daryl appreciates that ctm don’t try to force one-size-fits-all solutions, but instead understand Fine Art Group’s needs and priorities. “ctm are appropriately insistent in recommending essential security measures, but also flexible enough to adapt to meet our specific needs.”
Karen adds: “ctm have always been proactive in suggesting security measures. They ensure we achieve the security we want while keeping it seamless and non-intrusive for users.”
“ctm’s support is always good: always at least 8 out of 10. And when problems hit, they’ve actually been 10 out of 10 — going above and beyond expectations.” Karen Smith, Director of Corporate Services, Compliance & HR
Both Karen and Daryl cite ctm’s proactive, personalised approach as key to the longevity of the partnership.
“ctm take a more holistic approach than most IT support companies. They don’t just deliver what you ask for — they work with you to achieve your goals and proactively suggest improvements along the way.” Karen Smith, Director of Corporate Services, Compliance & HR
“ctm are big enough to deliver, but small enough that you know who you’re talking to,” says Karen. “Your relationship manager doesn’t change every six months, which aligns with how we like to do business.
“I can pick up the phone to Rupert, ctm’s Managing Director, and he’s happy to step in if we have a problem. It’s very different from much larger companies where you’re stuck talking to someone at the bottom level, and no one above wants to help.”
Daryl adds: “From the top down, I genuinely appreciate not just ctm staff’s technical prowess but also how they communicate and interact. They’re a pleasant lot to talk to, and even in challenging situations, conversations remain respectful and open.
“ctm have the technical ability and track record to deliver what they promise, and the flexibility to adapt to our needs. And if an issue arises, they’re humble enough to acknowledge it and do what’s necessary to make it right.”
As Fine Art Group plans further expansions, including new joint ventures, Daryl and Karen are confident that ctm’s flexible, efficient, and knowledgeable support will help the company take full advantage of future growth opportunities.
“Our company is in an exciting phase, with many changes already implemented and more on the horizon. I'm happy to be working with ctm as a partner whose capabilities help us meet those evolving needs.” Daryl Boling, Director of Operational Compliance for the Americas
