IMI Annual Awards winners announced at gala evening
The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced the winners of the 2025 IMI Annual Awards at a gala evening at the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane, London.
The awards recognise excellence at all levels of the industry from apprentices to industry leaders.
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.”
The Apprentice of the Year Award went to Becky Pearce, a trainee technician at Dick Lovett BMW in Bristol, with Adam Culverhouse of Sytner BMW in Leicester and Harriette Drysdale of Vertu BMW and Mini Teesside both shortlisted.
Meanwhile, Learner of the Year and FMI bursary winner was Jacob Fish from Bridgwater and Taunton College, with Corey Spence, NPTC Grŵp Colegau and Matthew Flanders, New College Lanarkshire shortlisted.
Autotech Group, which has collaborated with the IMI since 2010, was named Partner of the Year Award winner for its dedication to addressing the automotive aftermarket’s skills shortage through its multiple brands, with Morelli and Toyota GB and Lexus shortlisted, while Al-Futtaim won the International Partner of the Year award.
It’s Automotive Talent Centre, established in 2023 as an IMI Approved Centre, has trained over 1,500 employees in 2024 in IMI Level 1 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness, with plans to certify 1,500 more in 2025.
Meanwhile, Carolyn Bundey, IMI ambassador and senior manager of strategic projects at Toyota GB received the Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award for her work on the More to Motor campaign, and Volkswagen Group UK received the IMI’s Championing Diversity in Automotive Award.
Dale Wyatt of Suzuki and Toyota GB’s Paula Cooper shared the President’s Award for their outstanding contribution to the motor industry, with NFDA CEO Sue Robinson collecting the Sue Brownson Award 2025 and Catherine Faiers named Inspiring Automotive Women Award winner.
