The IMI Awards have heralded the individuals and organisations from across the automotive industry that have been inspirational, and dedicated to the marketplace.
At the annual IMI Dinner, held at the InterContinental Hotel in London, more than 400 IMI members came together to celebrate the best of the industry, including many aftermarket players. The IMI Awards, part of the event, championed the best of the best, with some inspirational stories taking centre stage on the night.
Special recognition at IMI Awards
Ronnie Wilson MBE, CEO of First Step Trust, a charity that provides real work experience, on-the-job training and salaried employment for people excluded from working life because of mental health conditions, learning disabilities, drug and alcohol and other disadvantages, took to the awards podium twice, winning both The President’s Award and the prestigious Sue Brownson Award.
Both IMI awards recognise Ronnie’s tireless dedication to driving change for the disadvantaged and revolutionising the training and recruitment approach to enable opportunities for all within the automotive sector.
Gavin White, co-founder of Autotech Group, was applauded for his tenacity and desire to make a difference within the automotive aftermarket, receiving the Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry Award.
Thatcham Research and Jardine Motors Group were both championed during the IMI Awards ceremony. Thatcham won the Partner of the Year accolade, whilst Jardine Motors Group joins the IMI as a champion in diversity in automotive, taking the EDI Award.
The winner of the Inspiring Automotive Woman’s Award, in partnership with the Automotive 30% Club, was also confirmed as Alison Ross MBE, Chief People & Operations Director at Auto Trader UK.
Alongside Ronnie, the other winners at this year’s IMI Awards have also demonstrated dedication to showcasing career opportunities within the industry, helping to attract new talent at a difficult time.
“Automotive is experiencing an ongoing skills shortage, on top of other industry-wide challenges which makes the endeavours of this year’s IMI Awards winners even more poignant, as they showcase the opportunities and innovations that exist within our varied and inspiring sector,” Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI explained.
“Yet again we have been extremely impressed by the talent and dedication of all nominated individuals and organisations, and had an extremely tough job selecting the final winners.”
Changing industry perceptions
Throughout 2023, the IMI There’s More to Motor campaign has worked to improve perceptions of the automotive industry and encourage new talent into the sector. Every nominee in the 2024 IMI Awards have played an important role in boosting the public image of our sector and changing misguided misconceptions.
Nash continued: “Our chosen winners are inspirational in their commitment to learning and enthusiasm for their work. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of previous experience they clearly demonstrate the breadth of opportunity within automotive. From hands-on mechanical repairs to technical work on advanced electrical systems, as well as roles outside of the workshop, the motor industry is open to all. Thanks to inspiring individuals and organisations such as our 2024 IMI Awards winners, the wider workforce is increasingly recognising that fact.”
IMI Awards 2024 winners
The IMI Awards saw a number of worthy winners across a range of categories. Everyone from apprentices to industry experts were celebrated.
Winners of the IMI Awards 2024 included:
Apprentice of the Year Award – Holly Darvell, Halfords
Sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts
Holly is a 21-year-old apprentice at Halfords Autocentre Canterbury. She’s been an apprentice for the last 18 months. Holly was shortlisted out of 120 Halfords apprentices, after completing an online test – to participate in the Halfords Apprentice of the Year Award 2023 where she went on to win.
Full-time Student of the Year Award – Aaron Linsey, Colchester Institute
Sponsored by GSF Car Parts
Aaron Linsey is studying light vehicle maintenance at Colchester Institute and is currently on track to complete Level 3. Guided by tutors, he has secured industry work placements, gaining diverse insights.
Sue Brownson Award & The President’s Award– Ronnie Wilson MBE, First Step Trust
Sponsored by Snap-on
Ronnie Wilson is the CEO of First Step Trust (FST) which is a charity that provides real work experience, on the job training and salaried employment for people excluded from working life because of mental health conditions, learning disabilities, drug and alcohol and other disadvantages.
EDI Award – Championing Diversity in Automotive – Jardine Motors Group
Sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts
Jardine Motors Group represents some 14 premium and luxury automotive brands. Their retail network covers over 50 locations, and they employ over 2,800 colleagues in both operational and support roles. Their ED&I Steering Group are also very proactive in gathering feedback from across our businesses and introducing campaigns and initiatives to drive our ED&I strategy.
Partner of the Year Award – Thatcham Research
Sponsored by Autotech Group
Thatcham Research is the automotive risk intelligence company dedicated to understanding the opportunities and risks of new vehicle technology and supporting their partners in identifying the best strategies for its safe, secure, and sustainable adoption. During this 30 year period of working closely with the IMI, Thatcham Research has delivered important value to the industry.
Outstanding Contribution to the Automotive Industry Award – Gavin White, Autotech Group
Sponsored by Delphi
As co-founder of Autotech Group, Gavin White’s tenacity and desire to make a difference within the automotive aftermarket has been the driving force behind the company’s growth. Unafraid to challenge the status quo, Gavin takes the issues facing the sector, from the lack of skilled talent to the growing threat of cybercrime, and creates solutions through new company divisions that deliver real results.
Contribution to the work of the IMI Award – Gus Macpherson from Dingbro Limited
Sponsored by Messe Frankfurt
Gus Macpherson is the Training & Development Manager at Dingbro Ltd, the UK’s largest independent motor factory based in Scotland. He has worked with leading car manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Mazda, Toyota and Lexus as a Technical Instructor. Gus has been in the automotive industry since 1976 and is an active promoter of the IMI.
Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award in partnership with Automotive 30% Club
- Alena Woolacott, Finance Director at G Woolacott & Son Ltd T/A Fix Auto Mid Devon & Newton Abbot
- Alison Ross MBE, Chief People & Operations Director at Auto Trader UK
- Carol Henry, Group People Director at Arnold Clark
- Cate Parker, Aftersales Manager at Jardine Motors Group
- Cece Hirst, Aftersales Team Leader at Vantage Motor Group
- Charlene Gavajena, Product Support Manager at Audi UK
- Denise Millard, Chief Executive Officer at Perrys Motor Sales Limited
- Hayley Pells, Policy and Public Affairs Lead, The IMI
- Kellie Smith, UK Remarketing Account Manager (Commercial Vehicles) at Enterprise Mobility
- Mandisa Gordon, Finance Transformation Manager at JLR
- Michelle Caveney, Brand Director at JCT600
- Musonda Hobbis, Sales Support Executive at Return on Investment Ltd
- Natalina Sutherland, Head of Marketing Operations at Lookers Limited
- Raj Robinson, Commercial Strategy Manager at Bentley Motors Limited
- Shamaila Madeley, National Account Manager at MotoNovo Finance Limited
- Sophie Ogunbiyi, Manager External Affairs at Toyota Motor Europe
- Stephanie Brindley, Area Operations Leader at Solus
