A restructuring at the Institute of the Motor Industry will see it focus on core activities such as member services.

The changes will create 16 new jobs as part of a programme of work to benefit the automotive sector.

It follows the recent announcement that the IMI had successfully secured over £3m of investment on behalf of the automotive retail sector as part of phase 2 of the Government’s Employer Investment Fund (EIF).

There will be greater focus on business development, product development and sales of current and new, innovative products and services.

The restructuring creates 14 roles in a new department to support the forthcoming program of work centered on the vital area of return on investment (ROI).

The IMI said its ROI studies focusing on the ATA scheme issued last year showed that training drives business, and the companies who invested had enjoyed increased ROI ranging from 98%-187%.

Through the creation of this new department, the IMI hope to continue to demonstrate that investment in skills is good for business and has a positive effect on the bottom line.

IMI Awards, the awarding body within the IMI Group, has enjoyed significant business and organisational development over the last two years and is also creating 2 new roles.

Linda Stansfield FIMI, chief operating officer at the IMI, said: "Our strategic aims are designed to help the automotive industry improve its image, status, skills and productivity.

"The restructure of our business reflects the operational organisation required to ensure we achieve these core objectives.

"The re-focus of skills within the IMI will ensure greater recognition and support for individuals and the businesses they work in."

The IMI launched the automotive sector’s professional register in April 2011 in line with the industry requirement to grow uptake of professional registration throughout the sector.

The IMI’s 6 ambitious development projects outlined in our funding submission align with the core purpose of the EIF2 investment, and will enable the IMI to develop a suitably qualified workforce to meet future demand and improve economic performance.