The Time Is Now to Celebrate Automotive Excellence

The IMI opens nominations for 2026 Annual Dinner and Awards - 11th March 2026.

With people are at the heart of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the outstanding individuals and organisations within the automotive sector will once again have a light shone on them at the IMI’s Annual Dinner and Awards, held on 11th March 2026 at the Intercontinental London Park Lane.

Now is the time for the sector to come together to recognise and celebrate the excellent talent automotive has to offer, whether it’s an individual at the start of their automotive career journey, right through to the experts driving skills and setting professional and ethical standards. 

The Award nominations, which are free, are now open and entries can be made here. The deadline for submissions is 28th November 2025.

The IMI’s Awards have a great impact on the winners, like last year’s recipient of the Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award, Carolyn Bundey, Senior Manager of Strategic Projects, Toyota GB. Carolyn was recognised for her work on the IMI’s There’s More to Motor Campaign and her focus on developing the people in the automotive sector.

For her, simply being shortlisted was an honour, but winning was an unforgettable surprise. “I couldn’t believe it. I was just happy to be shortlisted and recognised in that way. It was a complete surprise when I did win. It’s the first time I’ve ever received an industry award, so it was a huge achievement for me personally. It’s lovely to be recognised.”

This year, there are 6 categories for entry:

• Championing Inclusion
• Learner of the Year
• Apprentice of the Year
• Contribution to the Work of the IMI
• Partner of the Year
• International Partner of the Year

Winners in several special categories will also be announced on the night:

• President’s Award honouring Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry
• Sue Brownson Award
• Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award, in partnership with the Automotive 30% Club

Plus, the IMI bursary and Fellowship of the Motor Industry bursary will be given, alongside IMI Honorary Fellowships.

With Belron and Boswell Aftermarket as Supporting Partners, Snap-on as ticket sponsors and Delphi also sponsoring, the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards recognise the individuals and organisations that are going the extra mile. 

As Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI explained, now’s the time for employers, training centres and organisations in automotive to celebrate their stars:

 “Automotive talent is often the unsung hero of the UK economy keeping road users safe and businesses operating."

The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards give us the opportunity to throw the spotlight on those individuals and businesses that are committed to the sector, investing in skills development as well as creating positive career opportunities. 

We urge everyone to view the categories now and get their entries submitted by the 28th November deadline. We look forward to celebrating the incredible talent in our sector next March.