Congratulations to all of our incredible winners
Recap on an amazing night where we celebrated automotive excellence
IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026
The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2026 took place on Wednesday 11th March at the London InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane. It was an exciting night of celebrating automotive excellence with some of the best and brightest working in the sector.
Congratulations to all of our shortlists and winners, who have shown immense talent and dedication towards the automotive industry. Take a look at our award winners below.
Explore our IMI Annual Dinner and Award winners below
Apprentice of the Year Award
This award recognises apprentices who are making a significant contribution in their workplace and are excelling in learning.
Congratulations to Daisy Moore on this award. Daisy is the first female technician at Doncaster Audi who exemplifies resilience, leadership, and dedication.
Learner of the Year Award
This award celebrates learners who have made exceptional achievements and have shown dedication to professional development and learning.
Congratulations to Hollie King from Bridgwater College for her academic excellence and remarkable motorsport achievement.
Partner of the Year Award
The Partner of the Year Award recognises partners who deliver outstanding results and have made a significant positive impact.
Congratulations to Inspiro Learning, a leading provider of automotive apprenticeships, partnering with top brands like Volkswagen, BMW, JLR, Volvo, and McLaren.
International Partner of the Year Award
This award celebrates global partners who deliver exceptional results and have made a significant impact on the international auto skills agenda.
Congratulations to Belron Group. Working with the IMI since 2019, Belron is one of the world’s leading vehicle glass repair, replacement, and recalibration groups.
Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award
The Contribution to the Work of the IMI award recognises individuals or businesses who serve as outstanding ambassadors and support the IMI’s vision and mission.
Congratulations to Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, the world’s first B Corp certified automotive training provider and IMI Centre.
Championing Inclusion in Automotive Award
This award recognises an individual or organisation who have made a significant contribution to championing inclusion in the automotive community.
Congratulations to Emtec Nottingham College for its Apprentice Support Hub, which removes barriers for learners with diverse backgrounds and disabilities.
IMI Bursary Winners
The IMI offers an annual bursaries to members of the IMI community who have faced personal or financial challenges and who have a passion for automotive to be able to access learning, tools or resources.
Congratulations to Daisy Moore, a Technician from Doncaster Audi and Lucy Bennett, Level 3 Advanced Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprentice.
The Fellowship of the Motor Industry Bursary Winner
This bursary is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their automotive career in the face of personal challenge or adversity.
Congratulations to Hollie King, who combines remarkable motorsport achievements with exemplary college performance, top IMI exam results, and a professional work ethic.
The President’s Award: Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry
This award recognises an individual who has made a long-term, positive impact through hard work and/or leadership within the automotive sector.
Congratulations to Dr Andy Palmer CMG, chartered engineer and automotive executive who has led transformational change at Nissan and Aston Martin.
The Sue Brownson Award
In honour of the late Sue Brownson OBE, a former IMI President who made an extraordinary contribution to the automotive industry, this award recognises outstanding individuals who positively impact the sector.
Congratulations to Eddie Hawthorne, who joined Arnold Clark Automobiles in 1990, became Chief Executive in 2017 and led the group’s national expansion.
Honorary Fellowship Award
The IMI board recognises individual contributions to the IMI communities and automotive sector, by awarding the IMI Honorary Fellowship. This is the highest lifetime honour that we can award an individual.
Congratulations to Daksh Gupta, IMI Vice President. Daksh is one of the UK automotive retail sector’s most influential executives.
Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award
This award, in partnership with The Automotive 30% Club, recognises women driving inclusion, culture change, and talent development across the automotive sector.
Congratulations to Gemma Benbow, People & Organisation Director at Kia UK, for her career built across HR, people strategy, and organisational development.
Headline Sponsor
Delphi
Apprentice of the Year Award Sponsor
Castrol
Championing Inclusion Award Sponsor
Snap-on
Ticket Sponsor
NFU Mutual Central
Partner of the Year Award Sponsor
Fellowship of the Motor Industry
Learner of the Year Award Sponsor
GS YUASA
Silver Sponsor
Varta
Supporting Partner
Belron/Autoglass
Supporting Partner
Everywhen
Supporting Partner
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the dress code?
As one of the most prestigious nights in the automotive industry's calendar, the dress code is black tie. Please dress to impress for this formal occasion! Classic tuxedos and evening gowns are encouraged, adding to the elegance of the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026.
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What are the timings for the dinner?
The evening begins with a drinks reception at 18:30, where you can network and socialise. Guests will be seated for dinner at 19:30, with the awards ceremony and main event following shortly afterward.
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What time does the dinner finish?
Formal proceedings are expected to conclude by 23:00, allowing guests to relax and unwind. The after-dinner bar will remain open until 01:00, so you can continue to enjoy the evening with colleagues and friends.
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Will I be able to observe Ramadan?
We are aware the event is taking place during Ramadan, and we will be providing access to prayer rooms and for those observing, dates will be provided for breaking your fast.
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Will there be a photographer at the evening?
There will be a photographer taking pictures. Any pictures taken by the IMI photographer at the Annual Dinner and Awards could be used for marketing and promotional purposes. If you do not want your picture taken please let a member of the IMI team know beforehand.