The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations from across the sector at its Annual Dinner and Awards.
A total of 10 winners were recognised at the IMI Awards event, held in London. From those just beginning in their automotive career, to the experts driving skills and professional standards, there was a wide mix of high-achievers represented on the night.
“As the automotive sector continues to face significant transformative change, the IMI Awards recognise the individuals and organisations that are going the extra mile,” commented Professor Jim Saker, President of the IMI. “It is 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.”
Recognition honours
The IMI’s President Award went to two outstanding contributors to the motor industry – Dale Wyatt, who is retiring from Suzuki GB and Paula Cooper of Toyota GB. The joint 2025 winners are acknowledged for their unwavering professionalism, integrity and dedication, overcoming challenges in an ever-changing sector to forge new opportunities.
The prestigious Sue Brownson Award went to respected industry veteran and influencer, Sue Robinson, Chief Executive, National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).
Also at the IMI Awards, Autotech Group received the Partner of the Year Award for its all-embracing support of the IMI’s work to address the sector’s skills gap. Al-Futtaim Automotive was named International Partner of the Year for its investment in training resources and trainer development.
The IMI’s There’s More to Motor campaign, now in its third year, has continued to showcase the opportunities for all within the sector, challenging misconceptions and attracting new talent. The Volkswagen Group UK, winner of the IMI’s Championing Diversity in Automotive award, not only aligns with the campaign’s ambition but also the wider policies the IMI strives to instil across the sector.
Applauded for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) journey the Volkswagen Group UK has seen measurable and significant impacts, including increased gender, ethnicity and disability disclosures, closing the gender pay gap, and establishing inclusive recruitment practices, making it a worthy winner at the IMI Awards.
The winner of the Inspiring Automotive Woman Award, in partnership with the Automotive 30% Club was Catherine Faiers, Chief Operating Officer, Auto Trader Group Plc.
Winners at the IMI Awards
The full list of winners at the IMI Awards 2025, in partnership with Headline Sponsor, LKQ Euro Car Parts, includes:
Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Delphi
Becky Pearce, Dick Lovett Bristol BMW
Becky joined BMW Bristol as an Apprentice Vehicle Technician in 2019, quickly becoming a standout team member. Known for her innovative thinking, work ethic, and positive attitude, Becky excels in both technical skills and mentoring. She actively promotes the apprenticeship programme, inspiring others, particularly women, to pursue a career in the motor industry. Becky’s passion for the industry is matched by her commitment to continuous learning, making her a valued asset and role model to her peers and future apprentices.
Learner of the Year Award sponsored by Northgate – and the ‘Fellowship of the Motor Industry’ bursary winner
Jacob Fish, Bridgwater and Taunton College
Jacob has shown extraordinary resilience and dedication in his journey at Bridgwater and 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, and a laudable winner at the IMI Awards.
Partner of the Year Award sponsored by Belron
Autotech Group
Since its inception in 2010, Autotech Group has been a dedicated partner to the IMI, addressing the automotive aftermarket’s skills shortage through its multiple brands. Supporting the IMI with sponsorships, board participation, and adherence to IMI standards, Autotech Group provides 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.
International Partner of the Year Award sponsored by Autotech Group
Al-Futtaim Automotive
In 2023, Al-Futtaim Automotive 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 have 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.
Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award sponsored by Snap-On
Carolyn Bundey, Senior Manager Strategic Projects, Toyota GB Plc
Carolyn is a great ambassador for the IMI. Her work includes helping with Phase 2 of the IMI’s “There’s More to Motor” campaign which continues to champion 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. As a member of the IMI Diversity Working Group, Carolyn has shaped key people strategies and contributed thought leadership to drive change. Her professionalism and dedication make her a deserving winner at the IMI Awards.
There’s More to Motor: Championing Diversity in Automotive Award sponsored by Toyota GB
Volkswagen Group UK
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. Their commitment extends to external partnerships, embedding diversity across sectors and fostering fair, accessible opportunities for all.
The President’s Award 2025: Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts
Dale Wyatt
Dale Wyatt is passionate about leading teams and creating an environment to enable business success, which has helped to shape the future of the automotive industry. Proud to have led the Suzuki car brand in the UK for over a decade, Dale is determined to “cut through the fluff” and “keep things simple”. 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.
Paula Cooper
Paula Cooper is an accomplished automotive industry leader with over 30 years of experience. Starting at Toyota GB in 1991, she has held various roles including Director of Consumer One, General Manager of After Sales, and General Manager of Network Development. 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.
Sue Brownson Award
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive, National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA)
Sue began her career at the Retail Motor Industry Federation as Press Officer, moving on to Public Relations and Policy Manager, and then Director of External Affairs – gradually growing the press and policy unit. In 2006, she was appointed Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), responsible for all UK franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers. Throughout Sue’s career, she has helped to raise the profile of the automotive retail sector to Government and to the media ensuring the voice of the franchised dealer is heard.
Under Sue’s leadership as Chief Executive, NFDA has seen the launch of employment initiatives including Drive My Career in 2018, and Electric Vehicle Approved in 2019. She has been named in Motor Trader’s top 50 ‘Movers & Shakers’ of the motor retailing industry every year since 2013. In January 2023, Sue joined the Automotive 30% Club, a voluntary network of MDs and CEOs from UK-based automotive sectors.
Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award in Partnership with Automotive 30% Club
Catherine Faiers, Chief Operating Officer, Auto Trader
In addition to the overall award, a number of other inspiring women in the automotive industry were also recognised by the Automotive 30% Club at the IMI Awards. These included:
| Name | position | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Houssein | Product Portfolio Director | Enterprise Mobility |
| Carolyn Bundey | Senior Manager Strategic Projects | Toyota GB Plc |
| Claire Bell | Head of Diversity and Inclusion | Lithia UK |
| Erin Baker | Automotive Journalist | |
| Jenna Randall | General Manager | Motus Vehicle Solutions |
| Jessica Montgomery | Master Technician | Vertu Motors Group |
| Lynne McBurney | Group People Director | Arnold Clark |
| Karen Greenwood | Head of HR | Solus |
| Karena Shahid | Regional Account Manager | LKQ Euro Car Parts |
| Katie Grey | Technical Trainer | Thatcham Research |
| Laura Giri | Lead Garage Trainer | First Step Trust |
| Louise Baker | Company Director | Womanic |
| Lynne McBurney | Group People Director | Arnold Clark Automobiles |
| Melanie Phillips | Site Operations Manager | Direct Line Group Auto Services, Aylesbury |
| Michelle Breffitt | Co-Founder | Women Drive Electric |
| Nicola Jackson | Partner Support Executive | Close Brothers Motor Finance |
| Nicola Sutherland | People and Culture Director | Steer Automotive Group |
| Nicola Thompson | Head of Marketing – Strategic Projects | Vertu Motors plc |
| Olivia Mills | Head of Consumer Customer Service | Zenith Intelligent Vehicle Solutions |
| Rachel Harrison | Group Vehicle Operations & Logistics Manager | Volkswagen Group UK |
| Sally Foote | Chief Commercial Officer – SellMyCar | Carwow |
| Sam Panayides | UK Enterprise Sales Director | Cox Automotive |
| Tracey Newton | Group People Director | JCT600 |
| Vikki Banks | Business Technical Support Manager | TrustFord |
