IAM’s Lesley scoops lifetime award
The Institute of Advanced Motorists’ (IAM) recently appointed commercial director, Lesley Upham, has won a top automotive award at a well-respected motor industry ceremony at the weekend.
The 19th Annual bodyshop Event and Awards 2015 (BE2015) took place at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport; and featured a day of exhibits, seminars and networking concluded by the glittering black-tie awards dinner.
BE2015 is recognised as the most established independent awards programme, recognising the ambassadors of the automotive accident repair industry.
On presenting the Lifetime Achievement award to Lesley, the judging panel stated, ‘This special award goes to an individual whose name is recognised throughout the industry for all the right reasons.’
‘They have been a major driving force in directing, influencing and shaping the increasing professionalism of the industry for a number of years and have played a key role in raising standards throughout. A new challenge now lies ahead for this individual but in our sector, this person’s effect has been profound.’
Lesley joined the IAM, the UK’s biggest independent road safety charity in July. She previously held roles with Thatcham Research.
Lesley is responsible for the IAM’s commercial subsidiaries; IAM Drive & Survive, Professional Driver Services (PDS) and IAM Driver Retraining Academy (DRA).
Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer added, ‘We’d like to congratulate Lesley on the award, which is thoroughly deserved and marks many years of dedicated service to the industry.’
