IMI to tackle automotive's challenges at virtual conference

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) will address automotive sector challenges at a virtual conference featuring speakers from JLR, Halfords and Sytner Group.

The September 23 conference is designed to provide automotive professionals with content for their continued professional development, said the IMI, and will feature guest speakers and technical experts over two hours and will give businesses and individuals with the opportunity to network with colleagues and peers, it said. 

Steve Nash, chief executive officer at the IMI, said: “There has been little opportunity, until recently, for people working in the automotive sector to share ideas and debate the actions needed to future-proof their careers and businesses.

“In our role as the sector’s professional body we, therefore, felt it was important to give IMI members and non-members alike the chance to meet in an interactive afternoon of sessions. 

“With a number of guest speakers and technical experts we will look at the challenges the sector now faces - from the massive technical advances to the skills gaps that are currently undermining success - and the role the IMI can play in tackling these."

Guest speakers include Arran Simms, chief engineer data, fleet and business opportunities at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) who will be joining the second session looking at the challenges of new technology.

Andy Turbefield, head of quality at Halfords and Jodie Williams, head of diversity and inclusion at Sytner Group will be joined by Steve Nash and Professor Jim Saker, president of the IMI, to discuss how the sector can get on the road to 2030.

The conference will comprise sessions on the future of automotive, attracting and retaining talent, management and leadership and the road to 2030 – change in automotive, where a panel discussion will be held.

Register for the IMI Virtual Conference on the Eventbrite website.