Drivers of Change

The three category winners of Drivers of Change, a national competition delivered by Ennis & Co in partnership with Autocar, were unveiled at the 2022 Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Annual Dinner.

After a hugely successful launch in 2019, the Drivers of Change competition returned for a third year. The UK-wide competition showcases the best of the automotive and mobility industry’s talent, and the judges agreed that the quality of this year’s finalists was the strongest ever.

This year, the three categories were Retail, Digital, and Diversity & Inclusion, a new category for 2022 to highlight the progress being made by the automotive industry in becoming more open and inclusive.

For the first time in the competition’s three-year history, the Ennis & Co executive search team used their expertise to research the industry proactively to unearth the up-and-coming and game-changing talent of the future.

The winner of the Retail category was Bumper co-founder Jack Allman. Bumper was created by co-founders Jack Allman and James Jackson as an easy way to spread the cost of car repairs.

The company helps customers when faced with large, unexpected car repair bills by enabling them to spread the costs between one to six payments. Working with over 3,000 partners nationwide, Bumper has gone from strength to strength, and currently has 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot.

The winner of the Digital category was Immense co-founder Carl Goves. Immense has created a simulation platform for future mobility systems. Carl and his co-founders have developed technology to help companies answer critical transportation questions, and empower decision-makers.

The new category for 2022, Diversity & Inclusion, was won by Darren Coan from Ford Europe – a tremendous ambassador for people with disabilities. Darren is the leader of PurpleLightUp day for Ford Europe, a day to recognise, support and celebrate the millions of disabled employees around the world. It is a role he undertakes alongside his day job as European IT Business Office Leader of Supplier and Financial Services.

The automotive industry is rapidly changing to become more open, inclusive and diverse so an initiative such as this highlights the fantastic work organisations are doing to support this change.

Ennis & Co Managing Director, Natalie Stacey, said: “It’s a great privilege to partner with Autocar in organising the Drivers of Change competition, and to witness first hand the talent and creativity of people who are leading the way in transforming the automotive and mobility industry.

“This year’s competition was the strongest ever, and the three category winners are outstanding examples of people who are not only original thinkers but who have the drive and motivation to turn their ideas into reality.

“We know from our own research that the industry is facing acute skills shortages, particularly in areas such as IT, e-commerce and data, where businesses are competing for talent with other sectors.

“By showcasing and celebrating the brightest people in the industry, hopefully we can spread the word that the automotive and mobility sector offers fantastic career opportunities for the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

Hear from the 2022 winners

Ennis & Co would like to thank the competition sponsors for their generous support for Drivers of Change 2022: SMMT, McLaren Automotive, TrustFord, Toyota (GB) PLC, Volkswagen Group UK and Peugeot.

In association with the SMMT:

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is the voice of the UK motor industry, supporting and promoting its position to government, stakeholders and the media at home and abroad. The SMMT continues to support the Drivers of Change competition from the 2019 launch, to the 2020 and 2022 winners’ announcement at the SMMT Live Event.

Winners and finalist testimonials from previous years, 2021

Thomas Heenan, Technology Winner: “The Drivers of Change competition was a brilliant experience and the support we have received after winning has been outstanding. The application procedure was straightforward and asked the kind of questions that you should be thinking about when you have an emerging technology. The interview panel was full of highly experienced people from various backgrounds but was held in a relaxed setting where we were able to explore the potential for the innovation via an open discussion. And since receiving the award at the SMMT dinner, we have made new contacts within the automotive world that will be fundamental in the success of our company. Overall, a really unique experience and I’d highly encourage others to apply.”

Michael Schwertner, Retail Winner: “I found out about the Drivers of Change ideas competition organised by Ennis & Co and Autocar in an online advert and immediately decided to submit an idea on battery charging. The experience throughout and the contact with Ennis & Co was very friendly, supportive and professional. The judgment session in front of the high-level panel was very intense with probing questions – but this has to be expected. The award was given at the SMMT annual dinner in London, a very special and glamorous occasion. I was lucky to even meet the founder of Ennis & Co, Lynda Ennis and Gordon Murray, the legendary designer of several formula one cars as well as Steve Cropley, the Editor of Autocar. I even received tailored support and strategic advice on moving forward with my idea from one of Ennis & Co’s Associates, Al Clarke. I am grateful that I had the chance to take part and happy to win a prize. I hope that this competition can continue in coming years – especially at a time when the pace of transformation in the industry seems to accelerate.”

Nero Okwa, Finalist: “The Drivers of Change experience was an exceptional opportunity to critically think about, propose, and present innovative ideas for the UK automotive industry. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Many thanks to Ennis & Co and all the organisers for making this possible.”

Tom Power, Finalist: “The quality of the judging panel was part of the appeal of the competition. Upon presenting I was nervous, but I was put at ease. Be prepared for tough questions; but a great experience to speak with key decision makers in the automotive industry.”

Keith Glover, Finalist: “This competition has been a fantastic opportunity for someone from outside the motor industry to look to invent new ways of doing things. Often blue-sky thinking is, despite our best efforts, limited by processes and systems you’re already aware of, so being able to tackle a problem without any mental restrictions at all, has been a delightfully refreshing experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend giving this competition a go should you have an idea that you would like to put in front of highly respected members of the motoring profession.”

George Kitchen, Finalist: “It was fantastic to be part of Ennis & Co’s Drivers of Change competition, providing me with the invaluable opportunity to pitch my idea to industry experts. Whilst Eve, my plan to revolutionise the UK’s public’s EV charging infrastructure through the transformative power of the sharing economy, was ultimately not chosen as the winner, I am greatly encouraged with the feedback I received and it’s been a truly brilliant experience. Thanks Ennis & Co!”

Jack Mount, Finalist: “The Drivers of Change competition has been a great experience for me at the start of my career to both build on my confidence and gain invaluable feedback from some of the leading figures within the industry. Ennis & Co has been very friendly and encouraging throughout, especially around the presentations.”

Judges quotes from previous years, 2020

Bentley Motors “Thank you very much again for allowing me the opportunity to listen and judge to three extraordinary finalists for Autocar Drivers of Change Award.” – Astrid Fontaine, Board of Management 

Jardine Motors Group “The judging day worked really well and credit for how smooth everything ran! A really professional and great discussion.” – Matt Wrigley, Group Marketing & Innovations Director, 

TrustFord “Another fascinating session – I have really enjoyed the experience and am inspired by the talent I have witnessed over the past 3 days.” Julia Greenhough, Marketing Director

Please see below for the 2020 launch video: