A TOY auctioneer, thought to be the largest in the world, has called upon Teesside University’s expertise to review its IT systems in the run up to Christmas.

Thornaby-based Vectis Auction has worked with experts from the university’s School of Computing to examine its systems and practices and discover where improvements could be made.

As part of The Hambleton Group, Vectis Auctions specialises in collectables such as Corgi, Matchbox and Hornby, as well as toys related to television, film and comics. Auctions are held on the premises but bids can be placed online.

Senior computing lecturers Joanne Noble and Barry Hebbron, with the School of Computing projects developer Andrew Gibbon, were tasked with analysing the company’s website performance.

The university also worked with two other companies from The Hambleton Group – ArtsBank, based in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and Teesside Caravans.

Mr Hebbron said: “The partnership between Teesside University and The Hambleton Group has been extremely beneficial and allowed us to offer bespoke consultancy to three very different, but successful, businesses.”

Jonathan Goodall, managing director of The Hambleton Group, said they would be calling on the university’s expertise in the future.

He added: “We chose to work with Teesside University because of its renowned School of Computing and we knew we could trust the school to provide us with an independent view and unbiased suggestions throughout the project.