IMI awards skills and leadership at Annual Dinner

11 March 2014  

The IMI’s Annual Dinner event was a chance for the industry to celebrate excellence in the automotive market, with a number of awards and accolades presented during the evening.

The event featured the presentation of the inaugural Sue Brownson Award to Lord Charles March. Created in memory of the late Sue Brownson’s outstanding contribution to the automotive retail industry and designed to recognise individuals in the sector who have demonstrated oustanding leadership, it was Lord March’s work creating the now iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival that earned him the accolade.

The IMI’s annual Skillmiles awards were also presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at the event. Skillmiles recognise businesses and individuals who contribute hours of work and company resource to help push the skills agenda and work with the IMI to drive positive change in the sector. This year’s winners included Jaguar Land Rover, Kwik Fit, Würth UK, GTG Training and Derby College.

IMI CEO Steve Nash comments: “This year’s IMI Dinner gave the industry a chance to remember one of our truly inspiring figureheads, Sue Brownson, and her contribution to our industry. It was therefore fitting that we marked her sad passing with an Award in her name, given for those who shine brightest and showcase just what a great industry this is to work in.

“Awarding the Sue Brownson award to Lord March was a unanimous decision by the Board -Lord Charles March put the UK back on the motoring map, when he launched the hugely popular Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival events, which take place on his family’s estate in rural Sussex. More than two decades since he first came up with the idea, and thanks to his continued inspiration and leadership, Goodwood is an internationally recognized centre of motoring excellence and marks two key events on the world motor sports calendar.”