Since 2009, the Motor Auction Group (MAG) has relied on ctm as a trusted IT partner, guiding them through significant business expansions and technological transformations. From launching new locations to improving cybersecurity, ctm’s expertise and flexible support have played a pivotal role in MAG’s evolution.
“ctm gives us peace of mind and security because they’re always just a phone call away — it’s a real comfort blanket. They keep our IT up-to-date and compliant, saving us from having to manage it all ourselves.”Matt Gill, Director
Founded in 1947 and rebranded in 2016, MAG has grown from a family business to a multi-site operation, and its IT needs have evolved alongside.
“As we’ve grown, each new development — like becoming a multi-site business or adding the car buying side — has brought different IT requirements. ctm have helped us at every step. They understand how we work and what we need.”Matt Gill, Director
Tom Chambers, General Manager, notes how ctm scaled their support as MAG expanded: “We’ve gone from 20 staff to 80 across multiple sites, and we rely on technology more than ever.” ctm introduced cloud-based systems, improved remote work capabilities, and ensured robust IT performance to meet MAG’s growth.
MAG’s fast-paced approach to seizing business opportunities is well-supported by ctm’s responsiveness. They ensured seamless IT integration for MAG’s second location within an ambitious eight-week timeframe, and reactivated another site in just one month.
“When we wanted to make our old Bawtry site operational for auctions again with just four weeks’ notice, ctm delivered,” recalls Tom.
“The ctm team is fantastic. They always go above and beyond to make things happen, even if it means working onsite until 10pm on a Friday because we’ve got a sale on the Saturday.”
MAG’s success depends on real-time IT support during live vehicle auctions, where downtime means lost sales.
“Alongside digital sales we hold physical sales 3–4 times a week, and there’s a 3-hour window where we earn our money. The IT needs to work,” says Matt Gill, MAG Director. “If it doesn’t, we need a backup, because we can’t afford any downtime during those periods. And ctm understand that.”
ctm ensures this business-critical need is met via robust IT infrastructure and quick, responsive support.
“Just today, the auction house screens failed, and ctm had them back up and running within 20 minutes. So the auction happened as planned and our customers were none the wiser.”Tom Chambers, General Manager
MAG’s partnership with ctm has been shaped by trust earned over years of collaboration.
“Our trust in ctm has built over time as they’ve proved they can deliver. Knowing they’re always just a phone call away gives us a real comfort blanket.”Matt Gill, Director
Both Matt and Tom value the personal connections they have built with members of the ctm team, and how accessible they are — all the way to the top.
“We know the people at ctm, and we can call them anytime with a problem or question and they’ll jump on it and resolve it quickly,” Matt says. “If there’s ever a real issue — which is rare — we can call Rupert, ctm’s Managing Director, and he’ll get it sorted.”
This familiarity, combined with ctm’s technical expertise, has proven invaluable in addressing complex challenges and ensuring smooth operations. “The ctm team are very knowledgeable, which builds trust. That’s imperative in this type of relationship,” says Tom.
MAG’s growth has required more sophisticated IT solutions, including enhanced cybersecurity measures. “Cybersecurity is increasingly important for us,” says Matt. “We’re not always aware of the latest requirements, so it’s helpful that ctm makes sure we're compliant.”
“We wouldn’t have achieved Cyber Essentials certification without ctm pushing us. Then suddenly, it became a request in all the tenders we received. Their foresight helped keep us competitive.”Matt Gill, Director
ctm also guides MAG through new technological advancements, such as integrating Microsoft’s security tools. “ctm are always at the forefront of new technology — which enables us to be as well,” Tom says.
“As a management team, we don’t have the bandwidth to keep up with rapidly evolving technology. So it’s imperative to have a partner like ctm who stays on top of it and feeds us key insights that we can use in day-to-day business.”Tom Chambers, General Manager
Unlike more rigid IT providers, ctm offers a personalised, flexible approach. “If we have an issue, we don’t have to wait for a scheduled monthly meeting. We can pick up the phone and ctm will resolve it right away,” says Tom.
This adaptability extends across MAG’s workforce, with ctm providing tailored support for everyone, from tech-savvy staff to those needing extra guidance.
“All the ctm staff adapt the way they communicate based on our employees’ varying levels of tech knowledge. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.”Tom Chambers, General Manager
As MAG continues to grow, their partnership with ctm remains central to their strategy. “We’re considering several expansion opportunities, and ctm’s expertise will help ensure technology drives our business forward,” says Matt.
With ctm’s support, MAG is ready to navigate new challenges and opportunities in an increasingly tech-driven industry.
“There are so many advances, like Copilot, which will create efficiencies for our business. Partnering with ctm means we can grow with tech changes and really be ahead of the curve.”Tom Chambers, General Manager
