The IMI celebrates automotive excellence as it announces shortlist for Annual Awards

annual dinner shortlist

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the shortlist for its Annual Awards, with winners to be announced at the IMI Annual Dinner held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane on 12th March 2025.

This highly anticipated industry event celebrates excellence and honours the talented individuals and influential organisations shaping the future of the automotive sector.

Nominations were received for individuals and organisations from across the industry, recognising their dedication and ambition to further their careers and businesses. At a time when the sector is facing significant skills gaps and recruitment challenges, the judges were impressed by the breadth of talent, with nominees coming from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of experience relevant to the evolving automotive landscape.

The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2025 shortlist...

Apprentice of the Year

  • Adam Culverhouse, Sytner
  • Becky Pearce, BMW
  • Harriette Drysdale, Vertu BMW & MINI Teesside

Learner of the Year

  • Corey Spence, Grŵp Colegau
  • Jacob Fish, Bridgwater and Taunton College
  • Matthew Flanders, New College Lanarkshire

Championing Diversity in Automotive Award

  • Mission Motorsport
  • Solus
  • Volkswagen Group UK

Partner of the Year

  • Autotech Group
  • Morelli
  • Toyota GB and Lexus

Contribution to the Work of the IMI

  • Carolyn Bundey, Senior Manager Strategic Projects, the Academy, Toyota (GB)
  • Nigel Morgan, Managing Consultant, AAM Consulting 
  • Northgate Technical Training Academy

International Partner of the Year Award

  • Al-Futtaim, United Arab Emirates
  • Karwa Academy, Qatar
  • Valeo Training Centre, Europe

Winners of The President’s Award, presented by Jim Saker, IMI President, the FMI Bursary and the prestigious Sue Brownson Award will be announced on the night as will the winner of the IMI Bursary.

The winner of the Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award, in partnership with the Automotive 30% Club, will also be announced at the event.

The IMI is delighted to announce that Erin Baker will be hosting this year’s Annual Dinner. With an impressive career spanning over two decades in motoring journalism, Erin has held key roles, including Motoring Editor and Managing Director of Motoring at the Telegraph, and is currently the Editorial Director at Auto Trader.

Renowned for her ability to make the automotive world accessible to all, Erin is a strong advocate for a gender-neutral car industry. Her expertise and passion for the sector were recognized in 2022 when she was named Consumer Journalist of the Year at the Newspress Awards. We’re thrilled to welcome Erin to lead the evening’s celebrations.