Born ‘down the Old Kent Road,’ Jim was educated at Swansea, Manchester, Leicester and Queens University Belfast. Coming from an automotive parts background he joined Loughborough University in 1989 where he founded the MIRA Business Unit and then in 1997 in conjunction with the Ford Motor Company launched the world’s first BSc and MSc programmes in Retail Automotive Management. These were followed by Certificate and Diploma courses in the same subject area.

The programmes became available to all automotive brands in 2002 and bespoke University programmes have been delivered for Ford, Mazda, Renault, Mercedes – Benz, Scania, Toyota and Lexus while delegates from dealer groups as well as the independent sector have attended ‘open’ programmes.

The courses gained an international reputation and have been delivered in the Middle East and SE Asia with delegates coming from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Vietnam.

During the 2000’s Jim sat on the Government’s Automotive Industry Growth Team and the Management and Leadership Panel that advised ministers on industry and educational issues.

In 2007 he was awarded an IMI Commendation for his work on ATA the Sector Skills Council strategy and the Professional Register.

In November 2020 Jim was invited to become President of the IMI. Since his appointment he has supported the launch of the IMI Taskforce looking to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within the sector. The initial Taskforce Report was published in March 2022.

In Dec 2021 Jim retired from Loughborough University and was awarded the position of Emeritus Professor.

Outside of the industry Jim has been involved in a range of activities.

Jim has written over 100 articles for industry magazines and has published over 85 formal academic and conference papers. He continues to speak at automotive conferences internationally and is often called upon to comment on issues within both the mainstream and industry channels.

He is Chair of the WBBL (the Women’s British Basketball League), a Director and Trustee of Leicester Grammar School, and a Governor at Gartree High School, Leicester. He is also a trustee of Open Hands (Leicester) a Charity working with the Homeless and Poor in the city and a trustee of Bless – Christian Charity working with refugees in the UK and Europe.