The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the shortlist for its 2026 Annual Awards, with winners to be revealed in March.
The awards, headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts, will be presented at the IMI Annual Dinner on March 11, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane.
The IMI Annual Awards recognise individuals and organisations that contribute to the strength of the UK automotive sector, with this year’s shortlist highlighting achievements across learning, inclusion, partnership, and industry collaboration.
Nick Connor, chief executive of the IMI, said the awards remain a key fixture in the automotive calendar as the industry continues to evolve.
Connor said: “The Annual IMI Awards have long been a highlight of the automotive industry calendar. This year’s event will be particularly special for me in my new role. I look forward to personally recognising the outstanding achievements of exceptionally talented individuals who help make the automotive sector such a dynamic and inspiring industry.
“The finalists represent a diverse range of backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of experience that reflects the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. From overcoming personal challenges to exhibiting outstanding technical excellence to mentoring peers and helping deliver structured learning pathways, each of them is truly deserving of the recognition.”
Alongside the main category winners, the dinner will also see the announcement of the Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award, delivered in partnership with the Automotive 30% Club, as well as recipients of the IMI and FMI bursaries, the Honorary Fellowship, the Sue Brownson Award and the IMI President’s Award.
2026 IMI Annual Awards shortlist
Apprentice of the Year
Daisy Moore, Doncaster Audi
Marc Cockerton, Volkswagen Group
Sydney Gleeson, Halfords
Learner of the Year
Abdul Khaksar, Bridgwater and Taunton College
Hollie King, Bridgwater and Taunton College
Oleh Kuzma, North Hertfordshire College
Championing Inclusion in Automotive
Apprentice Support Hub, Emtec Nottingham College
Colin Denton, North London Garages GTA
Wayne Derbyshire, founder and managing director, Teaching Educationally Creative Kids
Contribution to the Work of the IMI
Al-Futtaim Automotive
Blackburn College
Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy
Partner of the Year
Inspiro Learning
Macclesfield College
Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy
International Partner of the Year
Autotronics Centre of Excellence
Belron International
Kolej Komuniti Kepala Batas