The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has opened nominations for its 2022 awards, with the winners to be announced at the IMI Dinner on March 17, 2022.

The IMI is calling for everyone in the automotive sector to nominate those individuals and organisations they believe have gone the extra mile and excelled in meeting the challenges of the last two years.

Steve Nash, IMI chief executive, said: “There is no question the events of 2020 and 2021 have challenged everyone involved in automotive.

“From coping with the switch to lockdown while keeping essential and healthcare workers mobile, to managing the supply chain challenges that have impacted vehicle sales and repairs and maintenance this year.”

Nash said the impact of COVID-19 on education has also been felt right across automotive, with colleges, training centres, tutors, students and apprentices all having to adapt to remote learning and remote end point assessments.

He  said: “However, throughout it all the sector has stepped up and responded to keep Britain moving.

“Our 2022 Awards are a way of celebrating the champions that have done their best to keep training, keep learning and keep the UK motoring.”

Nominations for individuals and organisations can be made in every category:

• Full-Time Student of the Year  

• Apprentice of the Year

• Contribution to the Work of the IMI 

• Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry  

• Partner of the Year – Sponsored by Euro Car Parts 

• The Patron’s Award 2022: Community – Recognising outstanding commitment and contribution to supporting the local community – Sponsored by Alphera 

Alongside IMI CEO, Steve Nash, a panel of guest judges have been appointed for the 2022 Awards.

IMI President, Professor Jim Saker will be joined by Hayley Pells, director of Avia Sports Cars and winner of the 2020 IMI Patron’s Award: Championing Diversity in Automotive, and Dr Esther Hills, central engineering director for Aggreko and a non-executive member of the IMI Board.

• Nominations can be made at theimi.org.uk/2022dinner.