Industry views on the performance of the Institute of the Motor Industry have been invited ahead of its application to renew its Sector Skills Council licence.

It will be awarded for the next five years if the IMI can show engagement, support and confidence of motor retail businesses across all four UK nations.

Views should be put before January 2009 to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills www.ukces.org.uk which will make its recommendations to the Government in July 2009.

Campaign of activities

The IMI has begun a fresh communication campaign to inform members and industry personnel of its activities.

A new leaflet, "Working for you, working for the industry", will illustrate its mission and key objectives to improve professional standards by qualifying, recognising and developing people.

Steve Nash, IMI Chairman, said: "The last year has been a momentous one for the IMI with the addition of the SSC role, the launch of a public campaign to raise awareness of the ATA scheme and a raft of other initiatives to help further the skills agenda in our sector.

"2009 will be even more challenging and we are working hard to help employers and their people wherever we can to provide real tangible return to businesses.

"Clearly communicating our significantly greater role and offer to employers and individuals will play a major part in our activity moving forward."