Fleet managers and industry leaders could now have their efforts to improve staff skills and attract new talent recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

As the sector skills council for the industry, the IMI has launched the SkillMiles scheme, with companies and individuals accumulating points for their contribution to areas including learning, leadership, management and recruitment.

The IMI will judge efforts on a tiered system, ensuring contributions from large and small organisations are weighted fairly, awarding bronze, silver, gold and platinum accredit-ations in relation to points.

SkillMiles points can be earned for a range of activities, including financial donations to education programmes and participation in skills-related working groups, with suggestions on improving training standards.

Steve Nash, aftersales director, BMW Group UK and chairman of the IMI executive board, said: “The SkillMiles scheme provides a meaningful way of acknowledging efforts and paying tribute to those who are actively making a difference to the industry through their work and commitment to improving performance, many of whom are unsung heroes.”