The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

At our Annual Dinner and Awards, we came together to support Ben Automotive Industry Charity, the charity dedicated to helping people in the automotive industry and their families during challenging times. Ben provides vital support for those facing stress, financial hardship, or mental health struggles. We're delighted to share that we raised over £2,000 on the night – a huge thank you to everyone who donated! Please watch their video to see the impact of your generosity. If you missed the chance to contribute, it's not too late. You can still make a difference by donating here: https://okt.to/kI2HEN. #ProudToBeIMI #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #IMICommunity

Last night we celebrated the automotive sector’s outstanding individuals and organisations across the UK, joined by over 350 members, supporters, and industry partners. Thank you to everyone who came and made it a fantastic night. A special thank you to our host for the evening, Erin Baker, and our after-dinner speaker, Jason Bradbury.    In case you missed them, here are our 2025 winners:     Automotive 30% Club – Inspiring Automotive Woman Award: Catherine Faiers    Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award: Carolyn Bundey, Toyota (GB) plc  Sponsored by: Snap-on   Partner of the Year Award: Autotech Group  Sponsored by: Belron®    International Partner of the Year Award: Al-Futtaim Automotive - الفطيم للسيارات Sponsored by: Autotech Group    Learner of the Year Award: Jacob Fish, Bridgwater & Taunton College  Sponsored by: Northgate Vehicle Hire    Apprentice of the Year Award: Becky Pearce, Dick Lovett Group  Sponsored by: Delphi    There’s More to Motor – Championing Diversity in Automotive Award: Volkswagen Group  Sponsored by: Toyota (GB) plc    The President’s Award 2025: Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry: Paula Cooper and Dale Wyatt   Sponsored by: Euro Car Parts Ltd.    Explore all our amazing winners on our website: https://lnkd.in/e45Arf35.     Headline sponsor: Euro Car Parts Ltd.. Silver sponsor: Comma Oil. Supporting partners: Boswell Aftermarket and Automechanika UK. #ProudToBeIMI #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #IMICommunity

The final award of this evening is the Sue Brownson Award for Outstanding Leadership in the automotive industry. Created in honour of the late Sue Brownson OBE, a former President of the IMI, who made an outstanding individual contribution to the automotive industry. In recognition of the outstanding contribution and positive impact they make to the sector, the award is proudly presented to Sue Robinson. As Chief Executive of the NFDA | National Franchised Dealers Association, Sue has been a steadfast advocate for the franchised dealer network, championing their interests with government and media. Under her leadership, NFDA has launched pivotal initiatives like Drive My Career and Electric Vehicle Approved, and Sue has consistently been named in Motor Trader’s top 50 ‘Movers & Shakers’ of the industry. Sue’s dedication and vision make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Thank you for your outstanding contribution! Read more on our website: https://okt.to/fqo4eZ. Award presented by Julia Muir. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

Every year, the IMI board recognises individual contributions to the IMI communities and automotive sector, by awarding the IMI Honorary Fellowship. This is the highest lifetime honour that we can award an individual. This year, we are proud to award this prestigious accolade to: Ken Kier: From his early apprenticeship at Morris Commercial to leadership roles at Honda UK and Honda Europe, Ken played a pivotal role in shaping the sector. His career has spanned sales, marketing, and manufacturing, including helping establish Honda’s Swindon factory. A true industry leader, Ken’s journey is a testament to adaptability, innovation, and dedication to the future of automotive. Peter Johnson: From his early days at British Leyland to leading Inchcape Plc through a period of remarkable growth, Peter has played a key role in shaping the industry. His leadership at Marshall Motor Group, the NFDA, and RMIF has left a lasting impact, driving innovation and excellence across the sector. A true industry visionary, Peter’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation. Your contributions have helped shape the industry, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements. Awarded by Richard Siney. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

A huge round of applause for Paula Cooper and Dale Wyatt who are the winners of The President’s Award 2025: Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry. Paula is an accomplished automotive industry leader with over 30 years of experience. Paula pioneered initiatives in customer experience and talent development, and has been recognised with numerous industry awards, including the Automotive 30% Club Inspiring Woman award. Paula is dedicated to mentoring and coaching, supporting women in automotive, and continuously driving innovation. Dale is passionate about leading teams and creating an environment to enable business success. He is excited about helping to shape the future of the automotive industry and proud to have led the Suzuki car brand in the UK for over a decade. He will be retiring from Suzuki GB at the end of March but has been on a mission to make Suzuki “the trusted car brand for those who are proud to be different.” Read more on our website: https://okt.to/dC0rmU. Award sponsored by Euro Car Parts Ltd. Award presented by Jim Saker. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

And the winner of the There’s More to Motor: Championing Diversity in Automotive Award are Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen Group UK’s DE&I journey, beginning in 2015, has evolved into a comprehensive strategy linked to their 2030 sales vision, which continues to develop and grow. With six thriving Employee Network Groups (ENGs) representing over 60% of employees, they have implemented policies supporting gender, disability, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Measurable impacts include increased gender, ethnicity and disability disclosures, closing the gender pay gap, and establishing inclusive recruitment practices. Their commitment extends to external partnerships, embedding diversity across sectors and fostering fair, accessible opportunities for all. Here’s to continued success! Read their full nomination here: https://okt.to/dWK3ta. Award sponsored by Toyota (GB) plc, presented by Rob McKendrick and Joanna Hollingdale. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

Join us in congratulation Al-Futtaim Automotive - الفطيم للسيارات , who has won the International Partner of the Year Award. In 2023, Al-Futtaim opened their Dubai-based Automotive Talent Centre as an IMI-approved facility, investing heavily in training resources and trainer development. By aligning their sales and technical programmes with IMI-accredited learning, they’ve trained over 1,500 colleagues in electric/hybrid vehicle awareness in 2024, with plans to train an additional 1,500 in 2025. This proactive approach to training ensures their teams stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. A well-deserved achievement! Read the full nomination here: https://okt.to/kO5va8. Award is sponsored by Autotech Group, presented by Mark Armitage PGCert MIAM FIMI and Pete Jackson BA(Hons), CAE, FIMI, FSET, QTLS. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

The next award goes to Autotech Group, who have won the Partner of the Year Award. Since its inception in 2010, Autotech Group has been a dedicated partner to the IMI, addressing the automotive aftermarket’s skills shortage through its brands - Autotech Recruit, Autotech Training, Autotech Academy and Autotech Connect. Autotech Group supports the IMI with sponsorships, board participation, and adherence to IMI Standards. They provide both technical and non-technical IMI training for contractors, the aftermarket and wider sectors, develop bespoke training programmes, and promote lifelong learning. With a focus on people, skills and technology, Autotech Group forges international collaborations, enhances training, upskills technicians, and supports the IMI’s mission to bridge the industry’s skills gap. Congratulations! Read Autotech Group’s full nomination here: https://okt.to/JmLMBn. Award is sponsored by Belron®, presented by Richard Willamett MIMI and Steve Scofield . #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

Congratulations to Carolyn Bundey from Toyota (GB) plc who has won the Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award! Carolyn is a great ambassador for the IMI. Carolyn has helped with Phase 2 of the IMI’s “More to Motor” campaign, championing diversity, inclusion, and equity in the automotive industry. Her inclusive leadership and strategic project management have attracted new talent and reinforced the IMI’s goals. Carolyn has shaped key people strategies and contributed thought leadership to drive change. Her professionalism and dedication make her a deserving candidate for this recognition. Read Carolyn’s full nomination here: https://okt.to/Iqn9NT. Award sponsored by Snap-on, presented by Zehra Ebelhack and Sarah Sparkes. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity

We are incredibly proud to announce that Jacob Fish has been awarded Learner of the Year! Jacob has shown extraordinary resilience and dedication in his journey at Bridgwater & Taunton College. After facing a personal loss and relocating due to personal circumstances, Jacob transitioned to a full-time IMI Level 2 programme. His commitment to overcoming challenges, catching up on missed work, and maintaining 100% attendance highlights his determination. Jacob’s curiosity, proactive approach to learning, and peer-teaching role in the workshop demonstrate his passion for the automotive industry. His leadership and perseverance make him a true inspiration to others But, the celebrations don’t stop there… Jacob has also been awarded the FMI Bursary, worth £2,000! The FELLOWSHIP of the Motor Industry, in partnership with the IMI, awards an annual bursary to an individual who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their automotive career in the face of personal challenge or adversity. This bursary enables the recipient to further their personal and professional development beyond their formal training. Congratulations, Jacob, on these well-deserved achievements! Read his full nomination here: https://okt.to/T273pH. Award is sponsored by Northgate Vehicle Hire, presented by Steve Coble FIMI and Lindsey Mitchell. Bursary presented by Peter Cottle. #IMIAnnualDinnerAwards #ProudToBeIMI #IMICommunity