Dealer groups can nominate high-potential managers for 12 months of mentoring from industry leader Daksh Gupta and a £2,000 bursary through a new category at the IMI Annual Awards 2027.
The Institute of the Motor Industry has opened nominations across eight categories, adding awards for future leaders, community champions and further education colleges to its annual programme.
The expanded awards give dealerships, automotive businesses and training providers an opportunity to recognise employees making an early impact and organisations helping to address the industry’s skills shortage.
Winners will be announced at the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards at the InterContinental London Park Lane on March 10, 2027.
£2,000 prize for future leaders
The new Future Leaders Award is sponsored by IMI vice president Daksh Gupta and is aimed at managers demonstrating leadership, innovation and measurable commercial impact early in their automotive careers.
Judges will also consider nominees’ customer focus, operational performance and potential to progress into senior leadership roles.
The winner will receive a £2,000 professional development bursary and mentoring from Gupta for 12 months, giving dealer groups a tangible incentive to identify and nominate emerging leadership talent.
The IMI said the category was inspired by individuals nominated for previous awards whose achievements demonstrated their potential to become future industry leaders.
The Community Champion award will recognise people who volunteer their time to support the automotive sector, while Further Education College of the Year will reward providers taking additional steps to address skills shortages and prepare learners for automotive careers.
Eight categories open for entries
The eight award categories for 2027 are:
- IMI Community Champion
- Further Education College of the Year
- Future Leaders Award sponsored by Daksh Gupta
- Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Delphi
- Learner of the Year sponsored by Milwaukee Tool
- Partner of the Year sponsored by Autotech Group
- The Be You Award: Championing Inclusion
- International Centre of the Year
The evening will also recognise recipients of the Fellowship of the Motor Industry Bursary, the IMI Bursary and the IMI Bursary in Richard Hutchins’ Honour.
Nick Connor, chief executive of the IMI, said: “The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards is one of the most prestigious celebrations of achievement in the automotive industry.
“Every year we put a spotlight on those whose work is making a real difference, whether that’s developing the next generation of talent, raising professional standards or leading innovation across the sector.
“Being recognised by the IMI is a mark of excellence that demonstrates real impact. We urge employers, colleges, training providers, businesses and individuals from across the automotive community to review the categories and submit nominations so that we can celebrate the outstanding people and organisations helping our industry thrive.”
Nominations are now open, although the IMI has not yet stated a closing date. Further information about the event and nomination process is available from the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards website. Supporting sponsors include Novuna, Everywhen, VARTA and the Fellowship of the Motor Industry.
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