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They can also assist with setting up work trials, work experience, apprenticeships and provide guidance on employing people with disabilities or health conditions. Jobcentres have specialist Employer Advisers to help you find the right candidates for your business.

For more details about the Jobcentre Plus offer and to find out what other employers think about the service, go to the Recruit with Jobcentre Plus website.

Alternatively, you can arrange a call with an Employer Adviser, fill in the contact form and they’ll be in touch

Make UK Autumn Budget reaction

The MIA have partnered with Make UK on behalf of our members. Make UK is the largest force backing UK manufacturing and has been helping the sector to compete, innovate and grow for over 125 years.

Commenting on the Budget Statement, Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, said:

“Given the difficult economic circumstances the Chancellor faced, as well as the intense speculation, this was a case of two steps forward one step back for manufacturers.

“On the upside, companies will welcome the decision to expand capital allowances for leased equipment and greater investment in Apprenticeships for SMEs. Funding for skills, business support and infrastructure, targeted at the Regional Mayors, will also help support growth. The Chancellor should also be commended for her personal intervention to kick start the consultation on the business energy support scheme which is vital if we are to address the UK’s eye watering and uncompetitive industrial energy prices.

“On the downside, however, restricting tax relief on salary sacrifice and, a further increase in the National Living Wage mean that manufacturers are again facing greater barriers to successful recruitment and retention of skilled staff. The electric vehicle road tax will also potentially hinder their adoption and damage an automotive sector already facing a challenge to meet its EV targets.

“The Government came to power promising that growth was going to be its number one mission and, while it was dealt poor cards, we have yet to see any significant upswing in our economic performance and productivity. It is the private sector that will provide this growth and create high value, high skill jobs and, while the industrial strategy was a major signal of intent, we need to see a much stronger focus on delivery.”

On the changes to Salary Sacrifice and increase in the National Living Wage, Verity Davidge, Policy Director at Make UK, said:

“The double whammy of restricting tax relief on salary-sacrificed pension contributions and a further increase in the National Living Wage mean that once again, the UK’s manufacturers are facing greater barriers to successful recruitment and retention of skilled staff. Make UK had called for the Government to consider how to use the tax system more effectively to support employers to invest more in the health and wellbeing of their workforce. Charging both employers and employees NICs on pension contributions simply increases employment costs further and makes it harder still to recruit successfully, instead of investing in productivity. A further NICs rise for employers as a result of this change following last year’s increase will be difficult to stomach for businesses who want to support the Government’s efforts to improve recruitment and employment.”

On the changes to the Apprentice Levy, Robert Halfon, Executive Director for Make UK, said:

"There is welcome news on skills, with extra investment for SMEs hiring apprentices and greater flexibility in the Apprenticeship Levy, helping cut training costs for those under 25s. At first sight, the funding for the devolved authorities will be good news for employers across the UK. While targeted packages on engineering skills in the Industrial Strategy will be a boost to manufacturers. However, cutting the expiry window to 12 months under the Growth and Skills Levy - which limits how long unspent levy funds can be used - will make it harder for some employers to hire apprentices.”

On the Electric Vehicle Road Tax, Patrick Matthewson, Senior Policy Manager, Energy & Environment, said:

“The Government’s approach to EVs is creating more push than pull factors for mass adoption of EVs which is preventing consumers from making the much-needed transition to cleaner vehicles. The measures introduced today will dissuade consumers, just as manufacturers are facing increased pressure to make EVs 80 per cent of total sales in 2030.  Furthermore, the continued inclusion of employee car ownership schemes (ECOS) within the scope of Benefit in Kind rules will hamper companies’ ability to encourage employee use of EVs and, restrict stimulation of a healthy, second-hand market. Taken alongside the introduction of the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), this will put a massive block on consumers adopting EVs. This new charge is likely to reduce demand for EVs as it increases their lifetime cost and so manufacturers will need to respond through either lowering prices or, by reducing sales of non-EV vehicles.”

On the decision to extend full expensing to leased equipment, Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist, said:

“This is a welcome move which shows Government is letting businesses choose how they invest in modern technologies whilst rewarding productive activities. It is important we continue to monitor how capital allowances are being used to support growth and ensure they remain competitive on the global scale which can be done with further expansions to how full expensing is used in the tax system.”

Please see the full Budget publication here: Autumn Budget 2025

Aston Martin Aramco announces changes to leadership structure ahead of the 2026 season.

• Andy Cowell will take on a new role as Chief Strategy Officer of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, and Adrian Newey will take on the role of Team Principal from 2026.
• Andy Cowell and Adrian Newey have agreed to divide their responsibilities in order to focus on their individual strengths and expertise, ensuring organisational efficiency.
• Andy Cowell will take on a new role as Chief Strategy Officer of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, using his unique experience to help optimise the technical partnership between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline.
• Adrian Newey will take on the role of Team Principal from 2026 and will be guiding the technical team, including the trackside operations of the car.
• These strategic changes are designed to ensure the leadership team is well prepared to play to its collective strengths in 2026.

The 2026 season brings the biggest changes to Formula One in a generation, with new technical regulations and an additional team on the grid. To take advantage of the opportunity this brings, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is announcing changes in its leadership structure.

These strategic changes are designed to ensure the Team is well prepared to play to its collective strengths in 2026.

Over the past 14 months, Andy Cowell has led the Team as CEO and Team Principal in implementing the much-needed structural changes to support the transition to a full works team in readiness for the new regulations in 2026.

Having successfully laid the foundations, Andy Cowell will take a new role as Chief Strategy Officer, reporting to Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll. Given his unparalleled experience and expertise in working on power units, Andy will help optimise the technical partnerships between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and will work closely with the Team’s partners to ensure the seamless integration of the Team's new PU, fuel and chassis.

As Managing Technical Partner, Adrian Newey will be responsible for guiding the technical team, including the trackside operations of the car and will take on the additional role of Team Principal from 2026.

As Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll will continue to lead the business functions of the Team.

Andy Cowell said:

"Having implemented much needed structural changes as we transition to a full works team and set the foundations for Adrian and the wider organisation, it is an appropriate time for me to take a different role as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, I will help to optimise the technical partnership between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis."

Lawrence Stroll said:

"Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year. He's focussed on building a world-class team and getting them to work well together, as well as fostering a culture that puts the race car back at the heart of what we do. This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the Team. We all look forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity as Chief Strategy Officer.

"I'm also pleased that Adrian Newey will step into the Team Principal role, which will enable him to make full use of his creative and technical expertise. Both these changes will ensure the Team is best placed to play to their collective strengths."

Adrian Newey said:

"Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our Team. I'm looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026, where we will face an entirely new position with Aston Martin now a works team combined with the considerable challenge faced by the new regulations.

"Andy's new role, focusing on the integration of the new PU with our three key partners, will be pivotal in this journey."

To find out more click here. 

AVL RACETECH Presents go_RACE™, a New Professional Driving Simulator Software Solution

Graz, Austria, November 2025 – A Tool for Engineering, Not Gaming: go_RACE™ aims to provide motorsport teams and drivers with accessible, cutting-edge vehicle dynamics simulation. It combines technical precision, realistic vehicle modeling, and racing-specific setups in a solution designed for those who demand more than gaming platforms can offer.

In modern motorsports, simulations and virtual methods are an essential part of vehicle concepts, development, setup and race preparation. Staying competitive requires testing before the tires of the race car even touch the track – using digital, data-driven, and reproducible methods. Until now, this approach has largely been reserved for top-tier teams and companies with high-end simulators and complex simulation software. But that is about to change.

In today’s increasingly professional motorsport landscape, many teams still rely on recognized sim racing platforms for their preparation Those platforms are primarily designed for online competition and are currently used for familiarization with the racetrack but not for engineering-grade vehicle and driver skills development.

With go_RACE™, AVL RACETECH introduces a new software solution specifically designed for professional but cost-conscious racing teams and drivers who run their own simulators, the new software product takes a focused, streamlined approach: accurate vehicle simulation, realistic models, engineering-grade functionality – and all at a significantly lower operation cost.

go_RACE™ builds directly on the expertise of AVL VSM™ RACE, AVL’s fully dynamic vehicle simulation platform. Used by leading teams and companies in the most prestigious racing series – from Formula 1 to Formula E, NASCAR, Indycar, and Le Mans Hypercars – AVL VSM™ RACE enables engineers to model the race car down to the finest detail and optimize it for performance.

go_RACE™ creates a true motorsport engineering environment. No online races, no competition features – just the driver, the team, and their virtual race car, built from real data and optimized for professional use enabling the Team to do realistic set up work before and during the race weekends. Saving time and costs for additional testing on track.

The vehicle models used in the go_RACE™ simulation are based on original data provided by the race car manufacturers and, if available, customer-specific information. While the base vehicle model itself is fixed, users can modify all parameters permitted under class regulations – such as dampers, springs, ride heights, anti-roll bars, wing angles, and tire pressures – based on the chosen series, car and track.

Premiere and Outlook

The market launch of go_RACE™ is planned for mid-2026. The initial release of go_RACE™ will target small-to-mid-sized teams that currently have limited access to advanced simulation tools or simulators in a second phase, it will become available to individual drivers for personal training and performance analysis. The software is not aimed at end users with consumer hardware but remains firmly anchored in the professional environment. Final hardware system requirements are currently under development. Expected specs include two high-performance simulation PCs and a simulator rig with appropriate software integration.

Guillermo F. PEZZETTO, Global Product and Business Development Manager Racing:

"The focus is on all aspects of setup optimization. Aerodynamics, suspension, tire (including energies, temperatures, etc.), track grip, driving styles, etc. – all these and many other factors, some of which influence each other, can be tested virtually with go_RACE™ in a way that is scalable and repeatable."

Ellen LOHR, Director Motorsport, AVL:

"At AVL RACETECH, our vision is to democratize motorsport. That means increasing accessibility to high end products for smaller teams with limited budgets and for young talents at the beginning of their career. With go_RACE™, we contribute to this goal by making professional simulation methods accessible to a wider range of users."

To find out more click here.

Updates to 2026 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations approved by the World Motor Sport Council

Following an e-vote by the World Motor Sport Council, a series of updates to the regulations governing the FIA World Rally Championship have been approved. The revisions introduce new provisions relating to mandatory rest hours, establish a formal framework for Candidate Rallies seeking inclusion in the FIA WRC calendar, amend the duration of midday service and update the regulations governing engine replacement. Further changes refine the application of chicanes, maximum lateness procedures and other operational and sporting elements across events.

These changes will form part of the 2026 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations, governing the top level of closed-road competition for the 2026 season.

The following is a summary of the new regulations approved by the World Motor Sport Council.

Mandatory rest hours introduced

Following feedback from teams and competitors regarding extended rally competition hours during recent seasons, a new regulation has been introduced defining minimum rest periods at FIA World Rally Championship events.

The regulation establishes formal definitions of competition and rest hours across each rally. Setting minimum thresholds for overnight recovery periods, requiring total rest hours across the rally to be at least equal to the total competition hours, with the exception of the opening day of the competition, while daily rest periods may not fall below ten hours, including at least one day providing a minimum of twelve hours of recovery time.

These measures are intended to ensure greater consistency across events and provide increased rest time for crews, teams, officials and volunteers.

Candidate rallies

A new framework concerning Candidate Rallies has been approved by the World Motor Sport Council, providing a simplified framework for events seeking inclusion in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. The new guidance sets out the process for requesting Candidate Rally status, establishing the responsibilities of the FIA, WRC Promoter, ASNs and Event Organisers.

Under the new framework, once WRC Promoter notifies the FIA of an Event Promotion Agreement with a proposed Event Organiser, the relevant ASN may request a Candidate Rally inspection. The FIA Road Sport and Safety Departments will then work with the event to ensure preparation consistent with WRC safety, sporting and medical requirements.

The new framework also introduces specific conditions for Candidate Rallies, including timelines for evaluation. Events must be held in the year prior to the proposed inclusion and no later than nine months before the scheduled date of the planned WRC round. Candidate Rallies should, where possible, be based on an existing national or regional championship event. Key officials, including the Clerk of the Course, Chief Safety Officer and Chief Medical Officer, must be the same individuals intended to officiate at the proposed WRC event.

The framework also formalises the areas assessed by the FIA before and during a Candidate Rally, covering sporting, safety and medical documentation, special stages, key facilities such as the service park and rally headquarters, and medical and rescue resources. Following each Candidate Rally, reports will be issued to guide the ASN and Event Organisers on required actions ahead of potential inclusion in the FIA WRC.

The objective of the framework is to standardise Candidate Rally procedures, ensure events accurately reflect WRC operational standards, and provide clearer guidance to ASNs and Event Organisers during the application process.

Chicanes

New articles have been introduced to define the use of chicanes in special stages and clarify the procedures for their implementation. The articles specify that chicanes may be established to address safety considerations and must be documented in the Safety Dossier and road book, with full signage and positioning in place prior to reconnaissance.

A time penalty of five seconds per element will apply when a chicane element is completely displaced from its marked position, with any such penalties issued by the Clerk of the Course, while any further infringements may be referred to the Stewards. These measures aim to provide clearer guidance to event officials and ensure consistent application of chicanes across WRC events.

Engine replacement

The World Motor Sport Council has approved an amendment clarifying the circumstances in which competitors may replace an engine during a rally. Competitors suffering engine failure after the start of the competition may replace their engine, with the exception of Rally1 cars nominated to score Manufacturers’ points.

The amendment also sets a 60-minute time penalty for any engine change made after the start of the competition element of the rally and bars any competitor who has changed their engine from scoring points in any of the FIA championships or cups at that event.

The amendment is intended to allow competitors to continue participating in the rally in the event of a major mechanical issue while remaining outside of the competitive classification due to the associated penalty and ineligibility for points.

Updates to Service Park Schedules

Changes to the length of midday service have also been approved, reducing the service duration from 40 minutes to 30 minutes, returning the midday service period to the standard applied prior to the introduction of hybrid units.

Maximum lateness

A new provision has been introduced to set a limit on how late a crew may start a special stage. For safety reasons, any crew arriving more than ten minutes after the last competing car may be directed to bypass the stage and rejoin the route via the alternative road section. In such cases, the crew will be assigned a notional time for the stage. The change aims to formalise limits on late starts and ensure consistent procedures when crews fall significantly behind schedule.

Shakedown requirements

Changes to the rules governing shakedown were also introduced, with the amendment limiting P2, P3, P4 and non-priority drivers to a maximum of two passages of the shakedown stage.

To find out more click here.

British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) Consultation - now open

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is designed to reduce electricity costs for manufacturing businesses operating within the eight growth-driving sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy, as well as the foundational sectors that support them.

From 2027, the scheme is intended to exempt thousands of qualifying businesses from costs associated with the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs, and the Capacity Market. As a result, participating businesses could see electricity cost reductions of approximately 20–25%. This initiative aims to bring GB industrial electricity prices more in line with European comparators.

To help ensure that the approach the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) put in place is workable for businesses and that support is directed to where it will have the biggest impact on economic growth, they will be gathering views through a consultation process. This consultation seeks views on how to determine which businesses within manufacturing frontier industries of the Industrial Strategy growth sectors, and manufacturing foundational industries in the frontier industries supply chains, should be eligible for the scheme.

The consultation is open until 19 January. You can access it here.

The University of Greater Manchester (UGM) has launched an innovative degree apprenticeship in motorsport engineering, aimed to cultivate the next generation of talent in product design and development.

The new degree apprenticeship will begin in September 2026 and cater specifically to the
needs of manufacturers, small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the motorsport
supply chain, and professional racing teams.

It offers a unique opportunity for employers to upskill their workforce and contribute to the
dynamic industry's continuous innovation.

Programme highlights:

• Focus on product design and development: The curriculum provides a
comprehensive understanding of the engineering principles essential for cuttingedge
motorsport applications.

• Hybrid learning model: This flexible delivery method combines intensive, hands-on
sessions at the UGM's state-of-the-art National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) campus based in Bolton, with the convenience of remote learning. Apprentices will dedicate one live day per week to remote sessions led by a dedicated tutor, allowing them to balance study with professional responsibilities effectively.

• Significant funding opportunities: Tuition fees for the apprenticeship are
substantially covered, with 95-100 per cent of the costs funded, depending on the
employer's apprenticeship levy status.

• Industry collaboration: UGM is actively seeking industry partners to select suitable
learners for this pioneering pilot programme.

• Duration: The apprenticeship runs for 4.75 years, followed by the End Point
Assessment.

Cumbria-based motorsport business, M-Sport, has already committed to the programme
with two learners as part of its own staff development plans.

Dr Mark Busfield, Director of NCME, said: “We are very excited to be offering this forwardthinking new programme and delighted that M Sport are involved. The University is
committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry needs.

“This apprenticeship provides a structured pathway for aspiring engineers to gain a
recognised qualification while acquiring invaluable, real-world experience directly within
their workplaces.”

Employers interested in the programme or learning more about the application process for
their employees should contact the UGM Apprenticeships team at
w.watkins@greatermanchester.ac.uk, or visit the University of Greater Manchester website
(Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses | University of Greater Manchester).

Click here for a downloadable PDF flyer about the course.

In Eight Series, IMSA’s 2025 Campaign Covers an Expansive Amount of Territory

A cross-country trip from either Florida race venue, Daytona International Speedway or Sebring International Raceway, to either California race venue of the Streets of Long Beach or WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on an IMSA calendar covers more than 2,500 miles each way. 

Consider then, that teams covering IMSA’s eight racing series raced the equivalent of that trip 225 times this year.

Beyond the physical distance, a metaphorical trip puts this into greater context. A trip around the Earth covers approximately 24,901 miles at the equator, so by that metric IMSA’s participants raced approximately 22 laps of the Earth in 2025.  

That sums up how much racing took place across the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as well as IMSA’s two Challenge series and five single-make series in 2025.

To keep the mantra of that 2,000 plus number, there were more than 2,200 total entries entered across those eight series in 2025.

With the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America season wrapping up IMSA-sanctioned racing action earlier this month, the 2025 racing season can be chronicled by the numbers for who, what and where everyone participated this season. And the numbers are strong across the board.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s what: 

IMSA, Combined

• 8 racing series
• IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
• IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge 
• IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge
• Ferrari Challenge
• Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America
• Mustang Challenge
• Porsche Carrera Cup North America
• Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin

• 17 of 18 participating OEMs won at least one race
• 2,231 total entries 
• 188,064 racing laps
• 568,391.047 racing miles
• Races in 12 states (Florida, Texas, California, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, North Carolina)
• Races in four countries (USA, Canada, France, Italy)
• 38 events over 30 weekends (also includes Historic Sportscar Racing – HSR – events, an IMSA property)  
 
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

The WeatherTech Championship’s four classes averaged 42.6 cars per race across its 11 event weekends.

The season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona’s full field of 61 cars stood as the season-high, with all five IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races plus Road America – the six total events with all four classes – all featuring an entry list of at least 48 cars. 

The two featuring three classes (WeatherTech Raceway and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) had 36 and 35 entries, respectively.

The three races with two classes (Long Beach, Detroit, VIRginia International Raceway) had 27, 22 and 23 entries.  

• 469 total entries across 11 race weekends (42.6 average per race)
• 106 in Grand Touring Prototype (GTP - 11.8 average per race)
• 86 in Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2 - 12.3 average per race)
• 108 in Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO - 10.8 average per race)
• 169 in Grand Touring Daytona (GTD - 15.4 average per race)

With over 19,000 laps completed by the 53 starters at Motul Petit Le Mans, the WeatherTech Championship field surpassed 100,000 racing laps for the season, and nearly 50,000 miles completed saw the field eclipse 345,000 racing miles. The five Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, covering 58 hours of racing, contributed to just over 300,000 of those miles. 

• 109,782 racing laps across 11 race weekends
• 345,125.028 racing miles across 11 race weekends

IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge

George Kurtz Appointed Technology Advisor and Joins the Team’s Long-Term Ownership Group

Business innovator and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner invests in the future of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and George Kurtz, CEO and Founder of CrowdStrike, today announced that Kurtz has become a co-owner of the team and been appointed Technology Advisor.

Through his personal acquisition of a 15% minority interest in the ownership entity controlled by Toto Wolff, which holds one third of the team in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and INEOS, Kurtz joins Mercedes-Benz, INEOS, and Toto Wolff in the team’s long-term ownership group.

Kurtz also joins the team’s strategic steering committee alongside Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG Ola Källenius, INEOS Group Founder and Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Toto Wolff. The governance of the team remains unchanged, and Wolff continues in all existing executive roles.

Kurtz is an accomplished endurance racer and globally respected business leader who has built the most successful AI cybersecurity company of the modern era. As an entrepreneur, technologist, and S&P 500 CEO, he's established and scaled world-class innovation and teams. Kurtz’s combination of experience uniquely spans cybersecurity, large-scale technology operations, and professional motorsport.

In his advisory capacity, Kurtz will support the team’s innovation and technology strategy, with a focus on the intersection of competitive motorsport, data analytics, and performance. He will also work to grow the team’s ecosystem across the U.S. and global technology sectors, and to secure competitive advantage and investment from new tech partners.

"Winning in racing and cybersecurity requires speed, precision, and innovation. Milliseconds matter. Execution counts. Data wins,” said George Kurtz, CrowdStrike Founder and CEO. “Technology is reshaping competitive advantage and human capability everywhere, including motorsport. I'm excited to help the team securely accelerate forward.”

Kurtz’s ownership builds on years of strategic partnership since CrowdStrike became a Global Partner with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in 2019. This strategic partnership continues, with CrowdStrike providing AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that protect the team's technology infrastructure.

Welcoming George Kurtz to the team, Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff commented: “George’s background is unusual in its breadth: he’s a racer, a loyal sporting ambassador for Mercedes-AMG, and an exceptional entrepreneur. He understands both the demands of racing and the realities of building and scaling technology businesses. That combination brings specific insight that is increasingly relevant to the future of Formula One.”

To find out more click here.

Lola Cars appoints Mishern Chetty as Managing Director

Lola Cars appoints Mishern Chetty as Managing Director, as the iconic British race car manufacturer enters its next phase of growth.

Mishern is an entrepreneur, finance professional and strategic advisor who brings a wealth of international experience spanning multiple industries, including motorsport, education and finance. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in three consecutive double-championship-winning seasons with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, before completing his MBA at the University of Oxford. He then joined Liberty Global, where he helped shape initiatives that connect people and communities to deliver value in the company's diverse investment portfolio - including its acquisition of a controlling interest in Formula E. In this role, Mishern also helped facilitate Lola Cars’ entry into the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with Yamaha and ABT, in which the team is about to compete in its second season.

Mishern will lead the Lola Cars team as it continues to re-establish itself as a leader in motorsport design and engineering.

Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman, Lola Cars:

"We are delighted to welcome Mishern to the team. His breadth of experience is the perfect fit to help guide the team as we continue to grow and work on new projects, leveraging the high-performance, high-pressure world of motorsport to help shape the future of mobility."

Mishern Chetty, Managing Director, Lola Cars:

"I'm thrilled to join the Lola Cars team who have done an inspirational job of resurrecting the Lola Cars brand and building a solid commercial foundation. It's an absolute privilege to lead the next phase of Lola Cars growth - using motorsport as a catalyst for innovation and future technologies.

To find out more click here.

from MIA USA Director,  Don Taylor

SEMA continues to be the siren call for the USA automotive customizing and performance industry from far and wide, and was well attended again last week in Las Vegas. But what could its value be for MIA Member companies?

It can easily be dismissed when compared to the real racing performance trade shows, like the MIA’s fast growing CTS* at Silverstone. I attended to see if there might be something of interest for our members.

One can be blinded, especially in the bright Nevada sunshine, by all the different customized cars and trucks on display. But look past the 1,500 featured kandy-kolored, tangerine-flake streamline babies and the Race Cars present were primarily sponsor billboards. These were limited to dragsters, a few Bonneville cars and GT cars like GT3 Porsche 911s… plus many drift and time attack cars.

Serious racing cars and parts were shown by Honda HRC, MOPAR, and Ford Racing. You could meet factory engineers responsible for those programs, if you wanted a contact.

As always, a Show may or may not be of value depending on who your target buyer is.

I ran into MIA member Mike Jenvey of Jenvey Dynamics who was happy as he found some of his customers there and others to approach.

The ‘new products’ area was the size of a football field with a ‘racing’ section with new cylinder heads, blowers, etc. relevant to that part of the US market.

As  SEMA also owns PRI their President, Mike Good, was readily accessible. He thanked us for arranging for him to meet our MIA member group during our September Indianapolis Business Mission and welcomed any MIA Members visiting PRI next month.

So as far as the SEMA Show goes what advice would I give.  As a fan of the automotive world, if you were traveling to the US West Coast on other business, during SEMA week, I’d suggest you take it in, at least once in your life.

You never know who or what you will see at the SEMA Show. One surprise visitor this year was FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem!

* Please refer to the latest CTS Show with details including REGISTRATION

Advance readiness for manufacturing with Feasibility Studies

Validate your business case to enable rapid scale-up of UK-based manufacturing facilities for innovative zero emission vehicle technologies.

About this competition

The route to scaling-up production requires distinct phases of technology and manufacturing development, and evaluation is one.

The Feasibility Studies competition provides you with a unique opportunity to produce a decision-ready business case and gain validation for future investment to scale-up production.

Open to UK-registered businesses, this planning, business and investment case can be across pilot scale, demonstration scale or full-industrial scale facilities for zero-emission technologies. Once the technology has been validated, applicants can apply for the next stages of funding, the Scale-up Fund or the Automotive Transformation Fund.

Please note:

• Applicant Q&A webinar: 19 November 2025. Join at 12:30pm here.
• Application deadline: 17 December 2025
• Applicants informed: 4 March 2026
• Projects start: 1 May 2026

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• Have a grant-funding request of between £150,000 to £750,000
• Have a maximum of 50% grant funding for a large organisation, or 60% for an SME. For example:
• if you are applying as a large organisation and requesting £300,000 in grant, your total eligible project costs need to be a minimum of £600,000
• if you are applying as an SME and requesting £300,000 in grant, your total eligible project costs need to be a minimum of £500,000
• Have a product proposed for scale-up at a minimum of TRL5 or MRL4
• Complete your project within 9 months
• Be a single applicant, but we are open to applications with substantial subcontracts
• Primarily enable scale-up in the UK automotive sector, but spillover to or from other sectors is welcomed
• Carry out the project work in the UK
• Exploit the outcomes in the UK

Scope

• To be eligible, business cases must be for:
• Electrical energy storage: Development of batteries, supercapacitors, their components, management, and integrated systems
• Electric machines and associated driveline
• Power electronics including Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) for off-road applications, we will fund project proposals that support a transition to zero emissions, utilising non-fossil fuels
• Lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
• Fuel-cell systems and associated balance of plant
• Hydrogen storage and management systems
• Zero-emission vehicle assembly

For a more detailed scope outline, visit the IFS website.

Podium Advanced Technologies and Sauber Technologies announce a strategic partnership at the PWM in Cologne.

Cologne, November 12, 2025 — Podium Advanced Technologies and Sauber Technologies announce a new phase in their collaboration, unveiling a joint presence at the upcoming Professional World Motorsport Expo (PWM) in Cologne. The two companies will showcase a united vision: to deliver an integrated approach to the design and development of next-generation racing and high-performance vehicles.

The partnership builds on a successful track record that began in 2020, when Podium entrusted Sauber Technologies with the aerodynamic development of the Glickenhaus LMH project. Since then, the two companies have worked side by side on racing high-profile programs — including the Lamborghini GT3 and ST projects,— blending Sauber’s wind-tunnel and CFD excellence with Podium’s vehicle and racing engineering expertise.

“What started as a technical collaboration has evolved into a true partnership built on trust, performance and a shared passion for innovation,” said Luca Ciancetti, Technical Director of Podium Advanced Technologies. “Together we can offer OEMs and racing customers a level of integration and credibility that goes far beyond the sum of our parts.”

The new agreement outlines a multi-year framework for joint technical and commercial development, with both parties combining resources and know-how to present unified offers to the market. The partnership will also include shared participation in industry events, coordinated communication and a mutual commitment to uphold the highest standards of quality and confidentiality.

At PWM Cologne, Podium and Sauber Technologies will exhibit under a single concept stand, symbolizing the next step in a partnership that unites two independent engineering powerhouses under a shared vision of technical excellence and innovation.

To find out more click here.

MIA Member News

Alcon is set to reveal its Next Generation Rally Caliper (Part Number: CAR2349H106) at PMW Expo 2025 in Cologne. Designed for WRC27, Rally2, and Rally3, this caliper delivers cutting-edge technology, championship-proven performance, and unrivalled versatility for manufacturers at every level of competition.

Since 1983, throughout rallying’s rich history, Alcon has been helping its clients win at the very highest level. From the legendary Audi Quattro Group B of the 80s and Toyota Celica’s of the early 90s, to Loeb’s record-breaking Citroën campaigns, VW and Ogier’s 2013 fightback, and more recently since 2017 with Toyota’s Yaris WRC platform.

 Perhaps even more relevant are the customer focussed machines that Alcon has equipped in recent years, also achieving huge success. These cars punch above their weight and despite their lower cost, with a pro crew on board, it’s not unusual to see Rally2 cars nestled among Rally1 contenders on the scoreboards. Alcon’s Next Generation Rally Caliper is designed to maximise the forthcoming regulations update, capitalising on our vast experience and success in the competitive world of rallying, offering market leading performance, durability and versatility to ensure our clients are suitably equipped to win.

“The Next Generation Rally Caliper embodies everything Alcon stands for: versatility, cutting-edge technology, and performance without compromise,” said Garry Wiseman, Chief Engineer at Alcon. “Our in-house capabilities and advanced manufacturing methodologies have delivered a product that will provide teams with the confidence to push the limits on every stage, from WRC2027 to Rally3.”

Technical Presentation at PMW Expo

Alcon will host a technical presentation on Wednesday 12th November at 11:00 AM, focusing on their new 2027 regulations-focused rally calipers. The session will be led by Tim Allen, Business Development Manager, and David Clegg, Principal Brake Engineer. Both speakers will be available to answer questions following the presentation, offering attendees an exclusive insight into the engineering of the next-generation rally caliper.

Key Specifications

• Forged monobloc 4-piston design
• Bore options: Ø34.9 mm / Ø38.1 mm and Ø38.1 mm / Ø41.3 mm
• Piston material options: Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Titanium, SMART V.2
• Market-leading stiffness properties for ultimate braking precision
• Built for durability, including protective bleed screw caps
• Suitable for both Gravel and Tarmac brake discs
• Lightweight: 1.82 kg
• Pad specification: 4423 shape, 16mm thickness, 64.5 cm² pad area

Find out more here https://www.alcon.co.uk/alcon-unveils-next-generation-rally-caliper-at-pmw-expo/

Priority Freight joins JLR to drive environmental change - creating a living legacy in the national forest

Priority Freight is proud to support the National Forest’s Unity Wood, a large-scale reforestation initiative designed to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for the Midlands and beyond.

Located near the Mercia Park logistics hub in Oakthorpe, Leicestershire, Unity Wood will see over 13,000 native trees planted across an 8-hectare site. The project is being supported by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and a group of like-minded logistics partners working together to fund tree planting, habitat restoration, and community access infrastructure, such as footpaths and signage.

“This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the region we operate in,” said Angela Henry, Global Account Manager at Priority Freight. “Unity Wood allows us to take real, visible action on sustainability – not only reducing our environmental impact but helping to create a positive legacy for future generations.”

Unity Wood is part of a wider initiative to restore nature, increase access to green space, and create a greener, more resilient future for the Midlands. The UK government has pledged to plant millions of trees and establish new national forests across England, and this collaborative project contributes to that vision – supporting biodiversity, carbon capture and community wellbeing in one of the country’s fastest-growing logistics regions.

Managed by the National Forest, the initiative builds on one of the country’s most successful environmental regeneration programmes, which has already transformed over 200 square miles of the Midlands with the planting of more than 9.8 million trees. The new Oakthorpe site will enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and support public access to nature.

“We’re delighted to be part of this project,” added Neal Williams, CEO of Priority Freight. “Unity Wood reflects our company’s wider commitment to sustainability – and shows what’s possible when the logistics sector works together to support climate resilience and environmental regeneration.”

Unity Wood began with an idea from JLR’s Freight Operations team, who invited their logistics partners to support the creation of a shared legacy beyond the supply chain. Priority Freight was proud to be among the first to commit.

Priority Freight’s involvement is part of its wider ESG and CSR strategy, which includes:

• Reducing carbon emissions through efficient route planning and consolidated shipments
• Supporting volunteer and environmental initiatives in the communities it operates
• Championing sustainable practices across the global supply chain

Planting at Oakthorpe will take place between October 2025 and March 2026, with opportunities for staff and community involvement during the process.

“Unity Wood is a great example of the logistics community using its collective power for good,” continued Henry. “We’re proud to support the National Forest alongside JLR and our fellow logistics partners and to help grow something lasting in the Midlands.”

For more information about Unity Wood or to find out how to support the National Forest, visit: nationalforest.org/unitywood

GOV. UK: Unlocking business - Call for Evidence from DBT

The government has set an ambitious target to reduce the administrative burdens of regulation on business by 25%. Effective regulation provides important protections to consumers, businesses and the wider public. The UK’s regulatory system has many strengths. However, too many instances of outdated or excessive regulation, or poor regulatory practice, are undermining these benefits – and are inhibiting growth, innovation and investment.

This business questionnaire, ‘Unlocking Business: Reform Driven by You’, provides businesses large and small, entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts with the opportunity to drive the next phase of reform – building on measures already announced in March and October 2025. In particular, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) wants to receive evidence about:

• current activity costs. DBT wants you to share examples of specific rules that impose unnecessary costs or burdens on businesses, including both the direct costs imposed by individual regulations and indirect costs resulting from how they’re applied

• opportunity costs. DBT wants you to help them understand how regulations and the way they are applied may delay or prevent future business opportunities being taken up, including compared to other countries

DBT’s aim is to identify the exact aspects of regulations or their implementation that create problems, so they can pinpoint where to make changes. In doing so, you may also wish to highlight examples of good practice, which might be adopted more widely. If you cannot name a specific regulation or regulatory process, please describe the issue and its impact on your business as clearly and precisely as possible. DBT urges respondents to read the introductory text in the full downloadable version of the questionnaire (downloads MS Word file) before completing it.

Government will use the evidence you provide to help develop further ambitious reforms to the UK regulatory system so that it is fit for purpose and the future, minimising burdens on business without reducing safeguards.  

DBT invites responses to this business questionnaire until 16 December 2025.

To find out more click here.

Digital Trade Corridor Programme

Businees.gov.uk are inviting MIA members to join the UK-government sponsored Digital Trade Corridor (DTC) pilots. DTCs run live pilots using digital processes on UK-Europe trade lanes, starting with France and Germany. The programme helps firms to switch paper documents, such as invoices, packing lists, delivery notes and bills of lading to data‑driven electronic Trade Document – cutting admin, speeding up shipments, and improving security. Using one of your existing supply chain routes, the UK Government will match you up with a digital solutions provider to trial sending a product from your warehouse to its destination in France or Germany, using electronic processes.

Under the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, key electronic trade documents have the same legal status as their paper counterparts, helping to streamline supply chains and boosting efficiency, so you can run your consignments digitally today.

Recent UK sponsored pilots saw shipments move up to 40% faster, reduce paperwork by around 89%, cut email traffic by 90%, and lower administrative costs by 15–25%. lower admin cost. These results are based on real shipments and transactions. Customs processes do not change; this is about B2B/commercial documents you control.

Pilots run 6–12 weeks with government matching you with and funding the digital solutions provider. No lock‑in; if one of your delivery partners still needs paper (e.g. pick‑up or port), a paper copy can continue to be used whilst digitalisation the rest of your supply chain. 

If you are interested in taking part, please apply via the Expression of Interest form (QR/ link below) before the 21 November deadline. You can learn more about trade digitalisation at Understanding electronic trade documents - business.gov.uk and by contacting dtc.pilots@businessandtrade.gov.uk

BAC Announces Strategic Partnership With RDA to Accelerate Innovation

A new strategic partnership with RDA, the UK's leading specialist in Research & Development tax credit claims, will support BAC's continued investment in automotive innovation. The three-year agreement positions RDA as BAC's exclusive R&D tax partner, ensuring the brand maximises returns on its substantial engineering development investment.

At the heart of every Mono lies thousands of hours of intensive research and development. From pioneering carbon fibre material science to developing digital twin technologies and shaping automotive innovation around the art of driving, BAC's relentless pursuit of performance demands continuous innovation.

With each component engineered to deliver uncompromising capability, BAC's commitment to R&D is embedded in the company's core ethos. The partnership with RDA reflects BAC's strategic approach to sustainable growth, ensuring the brand maximises returns on its substantial innovation investment. BAC's partner portfolio is curated to include only those who are uncompromising in their approach and leaders in their respective fields. RDA is no exception.

Just as BAC questions conventional automotive thinking to achieve breakthrough performance, RDA challenges traditional approaches to R&D tax advisory. Their focus extends beyond compliance to acceleration, ensuring innovation investment delivers maximum commercial impact. Whether it's advanced computational fluid dynamics modelling, materials testing, or prototype development, RDA's expertise ensures every eligible activity translates into reinvestment capability.

Beyond R&D tax recovery, RDA's IP advisory services ensure BAC's innovations, from proprietary materials formulations to advanced digital engineering processes, are properly identified, documented and valued. In a business where every breakthrough represents valuable intellectual property, recognising and capturing that value is as critical as funding the next development phase.

Luke Ryan, Head of Finance and Operations at BAC, commented: "Innovation at BAC's level requires significant investment, and maximising the return on that investment is crucial to our continued development. RDA's approach aligns with our philosophy – they’re not interested in simply processing claims, they're focused on accelerating our capacity to innovate. That mindset, combined with their proven expertise, made this partnership a natural fit.”

Kevin Auchoybur, Founder of RDA, added: "Companies like BAC don't compromise, and neither do we. The engineering that goes into every Mono is extraordinary, from advanced materials research to pioneering digital tools. Our job is making sure that level of commitment gets properly rewarded, so the next phase of development can happen without constraint. When you're operating at this level, every resource counts.”

This strategic alliance exemplifies BAC's commitment to operational excellence at every level, ensuring the resources required to push boundaries are maximised, enabling BAC to continue redefining what's possible.

To find out more  click here.

Formula E and FIA unveil the all-new GEN4

Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) reveal the all-new GEN4 race car, marking a reinvention of motorsport and the next chapter of electric racing set to debut in the 2026/27 season.

Capable of rapid speeds, the fastest Formula E car in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s history has been engineered for the pioneers of today and next-generation talent of tomorrow, setting a new global standard for innovation, speed, and sustainability.

Set to debut in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season, the GEN4 redefines racing - with 600kW of power available (equivalent to over 815hp) plus active all-wheel drive in every phase of the race.

This is the most challenging Formula E car to master, designed for wheel-to-wheel battles and jaw-dropping moments for fans. Every feature on the GEN4, from active all-wheel drive and active differential, demonstrates all the technologies electric cars offer, making this machine more road-relevant for manufacturers and their future vehicle innovation than ever before.

GEN4 is motorsport’s most sustainable race car, advancing circular design at every level. Its construction uses 100% recyclable materials, setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility.

From pioneering battery systems to next-generation tyres and innovative bodywork, every component of the GEN4’s supply chain is selected for ethical sourcing, recyclability, and reduced impact. These innovations ensure GEN4 is not just built for speed and performance, but also as a trailblazer for sustainability in sport and beyond.

Key technical enhancements for the new GEN4 race car include:

• Design: The GEN4 features two distinct aerodynamic configurations: high downforce, optimised for qualifying, and low downforce designed specifically for race conditions, delivering unmatched performance on track.
• Performance & Technology Highlights: GEN4 delivers a dramatic boost in performance and technology with 450kW peak race power, 600kW ATTACK MODE for powerful overtakes, enhanced 700kW regenerative braking, and race energy capacity up to 55kWh for bolder race strategies.
• Sustainability Innovations: The construction of the GEN4 features 100% recyclable materials (with at least 20% recycled content), delivering unmatched performance, driving the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s leadership as the world’s most sustainable motorsport.

After breaking cover for the first time in all-new photos and videos, the GEN4 will now be put through its paces at the hands of ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s registered GEN4 manufacturers - Porsche, Nissan, Stellantis, Jaguar and Lola Cars.

Experts will implement their in-house technologies, transferring their expertise in power train and energy management to calibrate and push the performance capabilities of the car to its limits ahead of its debut at the start of the 2026/27 season. Translating their expertise in transport into the sport and reaffirming the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the most relevant motorsport for automotive manufacturers. 

“The GEN4 is far more than a race car. It represents over a decade of progress, innovation, and ambition in electric racing," said Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E.

"Co-developed with the FIA, it stands as the most advanced, demanding, and sustainable machine we’ve ever built, redefining what’s possible in performance and environmental responsibility. With GEN4, Formula E strengthens its position as the world’s most forward-thinking sport and a true racing pioneer.”

Marek Nawarecki, Senior Circuit Sport Director, FIA, added: “We are very proud to present the innovative GEN4 Formula E single-seater - a car that once again raises the bar in terms of the capabilities of electric technology in motorsport, and underscores just how far the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has come since 2014.

"Ready to race in Season 13, this bold new technical framework supplied by the FIA together with Formula E, will allow OEMs to incorporate and showcase their own road-relevant technologies more than ever before, marking the dawn of a bright new era for Formula E that we have no doubt will be its most exciting and electrifying yet.”

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: "The GEN4 is designed for the pioneers of tomorrow. The new technical capabilities, from 600kW of power to active all-wheel drive, will test our drivers like never before. It's a car built for wheel-to-wheel battles and pure racing action.

"I’d like to thank our partners at the FIA for their collaboration in this incredible innovation, and we look forward to further collaboration as our manufacturers and teams hone these machines with their performance experts. Together with the FIA, we've created the most challenging Formula E car to master, and we can’t wait to see the incredible racing it will deliver for fans around the world."

To find out more click here.