IMI Awards celebrated the achievements of individuals and colleges at their annual outstanding achievers event which was held at Fanshaws in Hertfordshire on Wednesday 17th June 2009.

This prestigious event, which is held in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Autolease, celebrates the achievements of students and staff from IMI Awards approved centres. Three IMI Awards approved centres, selected from its network of 470, were in the running for the Approved Centre of the Year Award and 14 students were invited as finalists to the event for the individual categories.

Finalists were congratulated by HRH Prince Michael of Kent who said in his opening address, "All of you here today should be extremely proud of your achievements and success so far as you have been chosen from over 60,000 IMI Awards candidates. Your skills, competence and ambition are a credit to this industry and reflective of the passion behind IMI Awards as an industry leader."

The first award of the day was for the IMI Awards Approved Centre of the Year which went to Somerset based Bridgwater College for their performance and proactive approach to industry requirements.

In the same category a special commendation award also went to Motov8, a registered charity working in Worcester. The award was given due to the positive impact the centre has on its learners who are primarily children and young adults with special training needs.

In the four categories of Outstanding Technical Student, finalists at the event were all announced as winners as the judges felt other nominations put forward in their categories did not meet the high standards set for these awards. The winners demonstrated enormous dedication, often in the face of adversity, amazing teamwork and excellent performance in their chosen qualification route. Michael Wall from Motov8 was the proud winner in the Fast Fit category.

Winners received a glass trophy, framed certificate a cheque for £200 from HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

Hosting the awards, Alan Mackrill, executive director of IMI Awards, said: "Again this year, we received a high number of nominations, which is indicative of the value they have within the automotive training arena. We applaud winners and finalists as they are a credit to the retail automotive industry."

David Kershaw, Operations Director, Lloyds TSB Autolease, said: "The Operations team at Lloyds TSB Autolease and myself are proud and privileged to be a part of promoting an event that celebrates and promotes the achievements of these young people."