IMI achieves record year for new members

More than 3,000 individuals were successful in their membership application to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) during the 2006/7 financial year.

The Institute elected 3271 new members, the most recruited annually in its 87-year history and an increase of almost 100% on the previous 12 months, surpassing its business objective of recruiting 2,500.

This included some 1,000 young people registered on automotive qualifications who joined as Affiliate members, in response to the IMI’s partnership with the National Union of Students, which entitles them to a range of high street discounts. Students completing a national qualification are then invited to apply for full membership of the IMI.

The growth in member recruitment, bringing the total number of IMI members to just over 25,000, has added weight to its ‘Proud to be professional’ campaign, launched last year, to highlight the importance of individual competence and ethical integrity in improving business performance within the motor sector.

The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme, governed by the IMI, has recently seen the accreditation of the 4,500th technician. Launched in 2005, the initiative has been extended in recent months to include accreditation for technicians working in the following disciplines: auto glazing; crash repair; estimating; motorcycle servicing and repair; and roadside assistance. A number of additional modules are under development, including air-conditioning, customer service and vehicle recycling (ELV). Technicians who achieve ATA are eligible to apply for membership of the IMI.

Commenting on the IMI’s performance, Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive, said: “We have been greatly encouraged by the industry’s increasing appetite for sector specific recognition which in turn, offers significant benefits to the individual and the business. Through our work across the industry, it is clear there is a demonstrable will to make a positive difference and the IMI’s ‘Proud to be professional’ campaign is appealing to those who wish to make a personal pledge of expertise and integrity in the workplace.”