IMI pays tribute as Richard Hutchins dies

25 July 2025  

The IMI has paid tribute to Richard Hutchins, the institute’s skills competitions manager, who died on July 22.

Hutchins passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, the IMI said.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to Rich’s wife, Helen, and children, Thomas and Francesca, as well as his wider family and friends.”

The IMI said Hutchins leaves a massive gap in the lives of everyone involved in the IMI Skills Competitions.

‘Highly-valued’

“He was a fantastic colleague and friend and a highly valued member of the IMI family, known for his contagious smile, glass half-full attitude and deep passion for supporting young people to develop their skills and confidence.”

Hutchins joined the IMI family in February 2020 as skills competition manager, working with WorldSkills UK and having been a judge prior to this.

“His passion was not only automotive, but the fantastic people who drive our sector forward,” the IMI said.

“This loss will be deeply felt across our organisation, by the hundreds of people he inspired and supported at the start of their careers, many of whom have gone on to great success, as well as across the wider automotive and WorldSkills community.”

The IMI is compiling a condolences book. Tributes can be emailed to: ceooffice@theimi.org.uk.