The 2025 IMI Annual Dinner and Awards has recognised excellence at many levels in the motor industry, from apprentices early in their career to veteran directors at their peak.
The Apprentice of the Year Award, recognising apprentices who are making a significant contribution in their workplace and who have shown a dedication to excel in their professional development, was won by Becky Pearce, a trainee technician at Dick Lovett BMW in Bristol. Adam Culverhouse, of Sytner BMW in Leicester, and Harriette Drysdale, of Vertu BMW and Mini Teesside, were also finalists.
Carolyn Bundey, senior manager strategic projects, Toyota GB, was recognised for being a great ambassador for the IMI, including her work on the IMI’s “There’s More to Motor” campaign which continues to champion diversity, inclusion, and equity in the automotive industry, and her role in the IMI Diversity Working Group. She received the Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award sponsored by Snap-On.
The President’s Award, selected by IMI president Jim Saker for outstanding contribution to the motor industry, went to Suzuki GB’s Dale Wyatt and to Toyota GB’s Paula Cooper. Wyatt, a national sales company leader respected for his focus on keeping things simple, has led Suzuki GB’s automobile team for more than a decade. Cooper, a Toyota veteran, has driven Toyota’s success in a variety of roles, including general manager of network development, aftersales general manager and currently director of Toyota GB’s Consumer One function.
Volkswagen Group UK received the IMI’s Championing Diversity in Automotive Award for its DE&I journey since 2015, which has evolved into a comprehensive strategy linked to its 2030 sales vision, and implemented policies supporting gender, disability, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
A Learner of the Year Award, and the ‘Fellowship of the Motor Industry’ bursary, went to Jacob Fish who studies at Bridgwater and Taunton College, and a Partner of the Year Award was presented to Autotech Group, which since its inception in 2010 has been a dedicated partner to the IMI, addressing the automotive aftermarket’s skills shortage through its multiple brands.
And an International Partner of the Year Award went to Al-Futtaim Automotive, which in 2023 opened its Dubai-based Automotive Talent Centre as an IMI-approved facility, and trained over 1,500 people in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness in 2024, with plans to train an additional 1,500 in 2025.
Professor Jim Saker, president of the IMI, said: “As the automotive sector continues to face significant transformative change, the IMI Annual Awards recognise the individuals and organisations that are going the extra mile. It’s both inspiring and humbling to hear the stories of our Award winners and celebrate their success.
“Skills shortages, training, and future technologies remain critical issues for the sector. The IMI is, therefore, committed to working in collaboration with our members, partners and supporters to attract talent from all walks of life, as well as retaining and aiding progression for those already working in automotive. It is vital that the sector can develop the skills that will guarantee a workforce ready for electrification, autonomous technology and digitalisation.”
