IMI Reaffirms Commitment to UK Armed Forces at Automechanika Birmingham 2025

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is delighted to reaffirm its ongoing support for the UK’s Armed Forces community by officially re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant in a special ceremony at Automechanika Birmingham 2025.

The public pledge, which took place on Tuesday 4th June in the Motorvate Ignite Arena, underscores the IMI’s commitment to supporting service leavers, veterans, reservists, and military families as they transition into careers in the automotive sector.

Delivered in collaboration with Mission Community, the signing marks an important milestone in the IMI’s journey to build a more inclusive, skilled and future-ready workforce.

Signing the Covenant on behalf of the IMI, Commercial Director Tony Lawson, a proud veteran of the Royal Air Force with more than 20 years of service said, “this re-signing is more than a formality, it’s a reaffirmation of our responsibility to open the doors of our industry to those who have served.”

“The values, discipline and technical skills developed in the Armed Forces align perfectly with the needs of our sector. Through Mission Automotive and initiatives like Motorvate, we are not only addressing the automotive skills shortage, but ensuring our industry benefits from a diverse and highly capable talent pool.”

James Cameron, CEO of Mission Community, added, “the IMI’s re-signing reflects a maturing understanding that veterans aren’t just a cause – they’re a solution. Through Mission Automotive, we’re proud to support organisations like the IMI in turning their commitment into real opportunities for our Armed Forces community.”

With 17,000 current vacancies, and with an ageing workforce, which could see 144,000 individuals retire by 2032, the IMI is committed to attracting and recruiting new talent to the automotive sector, as set out in the IMI’s Driving the Future of Automotive Professionals Manifesto. 

Through its continued partnership with Mission Automotive – a Mission Community programme – the IMI is working to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community have access to sustainable, rewarding careers in automotive, supporting both social value and sector resilience.