Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry Award 2024

Congratulations to the Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry Award 2024 winner: Gavin White.

Gavin has been the driving force behind the growth of Autotech Group since the company was founded in 2010. Under his direction, and through his own desire to tackle employment and training bottlenecks across the UK’s automotive aftermarket, the company today operates FOUR divisions – Autotech Training, Autotech Recruit, Autotech Academy and Autotech Connect. Compelled by a strong, personal resolve to drive change within the automotive industry, stemming from his own experience of working as a Service Manager for Suzuki, Gavin has been able to empathise with automotive employers, and has an acute understanding of the challenges they face on a daily basis. A strong voice of authority within the motor sector, Gavin has engaged directly with the industry, building strong ties, and taking on a number of roles in the process.

He is Southeast & Central Regional Chairman for the NTDA, a non-executive director of The School of Thought, a member of the DVSA’s Trade User Group (TUG) and a member of the Automotive 30% Club. Gavin also works closely with the IMI and has achieved Fellowship Grade Membership (FIMI) status. In March 2022, Gavin spearheaded an event to kick start the industry’s talent shortage conversation. Talent Recharge: ‘How to gain, train and retain talent’ attracted over 200 senior leaders from OEMs, dealer groups, independents, and other automotive sectors along with industry trade bodies and the education sector.

Over the years, Autotech Group has been the recipient of numerous awards and Gavin himself has been recognised within the industry and was awarded the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) Chief Executive’s Round and Black Award in 2022, in recognition of his individual altruism in relation to safety, raising standards and improving the trade for others. A passionate advocate for creating career opportunities for young people, Gavin has spearheaded several initiatives to support the transition of a new generation of talent into the automotive industry. Along with Autotech Academy, which in turn has also created a route for young women to get into the sector, four apprentices have been employed within Autotech Group’s marketing team.

A much deserved win for Gavin.