Industry leaders rally behind not-for-profit ‘Motorvate’ at Automechanika
Messe Frankfurt UK, the team behind Automechanika Birmingham, has unveiled the headline sponsors and launch partners for ‘Motorvate’, the not-for-profit, pioneering Automotive Careers, Skills and Recruitment initiative, running alongside Automechanika Birmingham in June 2025. Joining forces to tackle the industry’s talent and skills crisis are Toyota GB, European Tyre Enterprise Limited (ETEL, including Kwik Fit), LKQ Euro Car Parts, Autotech Group and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
Additional support comes from Silver Sponsor Castrol Race part of Certas Group, and Supporting Partners Hella, Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), School of Thought and National Body Repair Association (NBRA).
With the IMI forecasting a sector shortfall of 160,000 by 2031 – including the urgent need for 45,800 additional technicians – Motorvate represents a united industry push to inspire the next generation and build a sustainable talent pipeline.
One of Motorvate's key ambassadors is Gavin White, whose extensive industry experience and passion make him ideal for driving this initiative. As the founder of Autotech Group and a long-standing advocate for the automotive sector, Gavin was recently honoured with the IMI’s Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry award and named an Honorary Life Member of the NTDA.
He commented: “Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe the opportunity presented by Motorvate is the platform the industry has desperately needed. We have a window of opportunity now to raise this beyond boardroom discussions and insular industry conversations, to pull together and attract, train and retain the talent on offer to us. Anyone serious about this cause needs to support it.”
Carolyn Bundey from Toyota GB added: “Motorvate offers a unique platform to showcase the career pathways across all roles in our dealerships, from technicians, data and marketing roles to customer consultants – the possibilities are endless.”
Meanwhile, Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, said: “Supporting Motorvate aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance awareness, attract new talent and foster the retention of skilled professionals. Autotech Group is excited to amplify the dialogue around these challenges at Motorvate and promote solutions that will drive the future of the industry forward.”
School of Thought has been working with schools and colleges to promote automotive careers, with Dave Reece, founder, commenting: “Motorvate is a great new programme to drive the message across the industry, get as many companies involved as possible and address the Generation Gap and skills shortage. We are very excited to be involved with Motorvate and are looking forward to Automechanika 2025.”