Rising Stars winners are being invited to join a collegiate giving them the opportunity to meet up with their peers and discuss issues with former Rising Stars judges.

Feedback from previous winners suggested a shortage of opportunities to speak to peers and potential mentors about issues they face in running their businesses or departments.

AM, in conjunction with partner Courland Automotive Practice, is launching the Rising Stars Fellowship to provide the platform to encourage more communication, sharing of ideas and best practice within the automotive industry.

“The Rising Stars winners are people who are aspirant and the future leaders in their specialisms but they might not have the peers in their own businesses to talk to,” says Rising Stars co-chair and chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry Sarah Sillars. “So the chance to network, share ideas and debate with like-minded people will be a great learning opportunity.

“I can’t think of any other opportunity for people who are coming through the business to meet up in this way, especially in some of the specialisms like HR and finance.”

Stephen Briers, editor of AM, adds: “We wanted to offer the Rising Stars winners something extra on top of collecting the award trophy. I believe the Fellowship is the chance for people to find a mentor and to also find solutions to problems they may be encountering by talking to other people who may have had similar problems.”

The first Rising Stars Fellowship will take place on September 26, 2007, to coincide with the third Rising Stars awards at Sopwell House in St Albans.

The AM/Courland Rising Stars is a unique chance to celebrate the next generation of leaders – those who will shape the strategic direction and dictate future policies of the automotive industry – and to recognize the companies who are developing that talent.

It covers six categories: general management, sales, marketing, finance, human resources and public relations. It is open to people aged below 40 in the retail (sales and repair), manufacturer, fleet/leasing and industry supplier sectors.

The judging panel will select the winners in each category, co-chaired by Sarah Sillars and Sir Peter Vardy. Nominations are open now – if you think you are, or you know, a Rising Star, please complete the entry form on the website www.automotive-risingstars.com.