Patricia Richards, chief executive at Automotive Skills, the new government-backed industry training body, will tell delegates at the AM Dealer Conference on June 9 that she will help them address skills shortages and improve their businesses.

“Our focus is very much on productivity, performance and profitability – for example getting businesses to think ahead about the skills implications of new technology,” says Richards.

“We're trying to bring more A-level and graduate recruits into the industry, and we want them to stay when they get here.”

Also speaking at the conference, which takes place at the Metropole Hotel, Birmingham, are Graeme Potts of Inchcape, Nigel Villiers of Harley-Davidson, Paul Burrows and Piers Trenear-Thomas of Grant Thornton, and Paolo Cesarini, head of motor transport at the EU's Competition Directorate.