IMI congratulates Cambridgeshire businessman on award win
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has congratulated Cambridgeshire businessman, Andy Kent FIMI on his recent Community Award win at the Barclays Trading Places ceremony held at The Savoy in London earlier this week. Andy is an ATA Master Technician and also holds Automotive Management Accreditation (AMA) at Level 7.
Andy left school at 14 hardly able to read or write and later suffered a stroke which left him severely disabled for a year. But he went on to set up his own garage business, Andy's Kars in Bar Hill, Cambridge, which employs disabled and disadvantaged people. The company is run as a social enterprise and Andy has modified the workspace to accommodate the needs of his employees. Andy is an ATA Master Technician and also holds Automotive Management Accreditation (AMA) at Level 7.
Commenting on his success, Michelle Barrett, National Manager (England) said:
"I'm delighted that Andy has been honoured for his hard work and outstanding achievements. Andy has worked tirelessly to help give young disabled and disadvantaged young people the opportunities he lacked and it's fantastic that his dedication to the local community has been recognised at these awards."
On his win, Andy said:
"I am so pleased to have won this award and it was great to represent the automotive industry at the prestigious ceremony. The win has been a terrific morale boost for the whole team and the prize fund will be put to good use to help train and develop another young person within the business."
Andy was also runner up in the Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year award category at the ceremony.
As part of the winning prize package, Andy received a cheque for £3,500 and a tailor-made package from awards supporters Microsoft and Yell, including the latest business software and special multi-media advertising packages.