Messe Frankfurt UK, the team behind Automechanika Birmingham (AMB), has unveiled the headline sponsors and launch partners for the Motorvate initiative, the not-for-profit automotive careers, skills and recruitment project which will run alongside Automechanika Birmingham 2025 in June next year.
Joining forces to help tackle the industry’s talent and skills crisis are Toyota GB, European Tyre Enterprise Limited (ETEL, including Kwik Fit), LKQ Euro Car Parts, Autotech Group and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Motorvate initiative support
Additional support comes from silver sponsor Castrol Race part of Certas Group, and supporting partners Hella, Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), National Body Repair Association (NBRA), School of Thought, and the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) .
With the IMI forecasting a sector shortfall of 160,000 by 2031 – including the urgent need for 45,800 additional technicians – Motorvate represents a united industry push to inspire the next generation and build a sustainable talent pipeline.
One of Motorvate’s key ambassadors is Gavin White, whose extensive industry experience and passion make him ideal for driving this initiative. As the founder of Autotech Group and a long-standing advocate for the automotive sector, White was recently honoured with the IMI’s Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry award and named an Honorary Life Member of the NTDA.
White said of the Motorvate initiative:
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe the opportunity presented by Motorvate is the platform the industry has desperately needed. We have a window of opportunity now to raise this beyond boardroom discussions and insular industry conversations, to pull together and attract, train and retain the talent on offer to us. Anyone serious about this cause needs to support it.”
Carolyn Bundey from Toyota GB added: “Motorvate offers a unique platform to showcase the career pathways across all roles in our dealerships, from technicians, data and marketing roles to customer consultants – the possibilities are endless.”
School of Thought
School of Thought has been working with schools and colleges to promote automotive careers. Its co-founder Dave Reece said:
“Motorvate is a great new programme to drive the message across the industry, get as many companies involved as possible and address the generation gap and skills shortage. We are very excited to be involved with Motorvate and are looking forward to Automechanika 2025.”
With Motorvate gaining momentum through the backing of industry heavyweights, Messe Frankfurt UK is calling on more businesses to join this essential not-for-profit initiative. By supporting Motorvate, organisations can actively contribute to addressing the skills and talent crisis that threatens the future of the automotive sector.
Motorvate and Automechanika Birmingham will take place at the Birmingham NEC from 3-5 June 2025 in Hall 17. For more information about supporting the initiative and information regarding sponsoring and exhibiting opportunities, visit the Automechanika Birmingham 2025 website.
To allow for effective planning and preparation Messe Frankfurt UK is urging those looking to support the Motorvate initiative to register their interest by email to Liam Bryant ([email protected]) before 20 December 2024.
