IMI Awards Shortlist – heroes that have excelled in unprecedented times unveiled

IMI unveils heroes that have excelled in unprecedented times 
Shortlist released for 2022 Awards with winners to be announced in March 

The shortlist for the Institute of Motor Industry’s (IMI) 2022 Awards have been unveiled. The six categories are designed to recognise the incredible talent, commitment and passion of individuals and businesses in the automotive sector, with those shortlisted demonstrating stand-out excellence in training, learning and keeping the UK motoring in the face of the challenges of the last two years. 

Winners will be announced at the IMI’s flagship event at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 17th March 2022.
Commenting on the high standard of the entries Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of Motor Industry said: “The automotive sector has faced unprecedented challenges since the beginning of 2020, yet these exceptional circumstances have been met head on with incredible fortitude across the breadth of our industry. It is this spirit that has raised the bar for our awards judges this year.”

Community is a theme that features heavily in this year’s Awards. The Patron’s Award, which was introduced in 2020 to mark the IMI’s centenary year, recognises outstanding commitment and contribution to supporting the local community. And across the other Awards entries, personal growth, community contribution and inspiration to others have been key criteria scored highly by the judges. 

Positive workplace influences have also been commended. Examples of where standards of legal and ethical compliance have been elevated have been ranked favourably, including the promotion of best practice. And those shortlisted for their contribution to the IMI and the industry as a whole have been chosen by the judges because of their proven progressive thinking, innovation and the delivery of a significant change or a change that can be applied widely.

Concludes Steve Nash: “Whether it’s colleges, training centres, tutors, students and apprentices or those truly established in the sector that have gone above and beyond to lend their support to the next generation and their own peers, every shortlisted nominee can be extremely proud of their contribution to keeping Britain motoring. We very much look forward to throwing the spotlight on the overall winners and celebrating everyone’s achievements at our Awards evening in March.”

Awards Shortlist

Apprentice of the year
• Ethan Harris, Euro Performance Ltd
• Ben Campbell, Dick Lovett Bath
• Ian Robertson, James Moodie Motor Engineers
 
Full-Time Student of the year – Sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car 
• Joel Windsor, Cardiff and Vale College
• Trinity Hutley, Barnfield College
• Sam Kirk, Lincoln College

Patrons Award 2022 : Community – Recognising outstanding commitment and contribution to supporting the local community – Sponsored by Alphera  
• Kwik Fit
• Jan Livingstone, W Livingstone Ltd
• Gareth Hewitt and Keith Sims, Northside Truck and Van
 
Partner of the year – Sponsored by Euro Car Parts  
• ESP Scotland
• TMD Friction
• Belron
 
Outstanding contribution to the motor industry – Sponsored by Autotech 
• Dan Pritchard & Willian Davies, NPTC Group of Colleges
• Thatcham Research
• Eliott Smith, Pro-Moto
 
Contribution to the work of the IMI – Sponsored by Castrol  
• BMW Academy
• Pete Jackson, Lincoln College
• Cardiff & Vale College

Alongside IMI CEO, Steve Nash, the panel of guest judges for the 2022 Awards includes IMI President, Professor Jim Saker; Hayley Pells, Director of Avia Sports Cars Limited and winner of the 2020 IMI Patron’s Award: Championing Diversity in Automotive; and Dr Esther Hills, Central Engineering Director for Aggreko and a Non Executive Director of the IMI Board.