The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and the wider automotive aftermarket are today mourning the sad passing of Richard Hutchins, the IMI Skills Competitions manager who was central to the young lives of so many bodyshop apprentices.
“Rich” died peacefully on 22 July surrounded by his family. Condolences have been extended to Rich’s wife, Helen, and children Thomas and Francesca, as well as his wider family, friends and colleagues.
IMI mourns Richard Hutchins
The IMI said in a statement: “Rich leaves a massive gap in the lives of everyone involved in the IMI Skills Competitions. He was a fantastic colleague and friend and a highly valued member of the IMI family, known for his contagious smile, glass half full attitude and deep passion for supporting young people develop their skills and confidence.”
Rich joined the IMI from NPTC Group of Colleges as competitions manager in February 2020, having worked as a judge prior to this with WorldSkills UK. His passion was not only automotive, but the fantastic people who drive the sector forward.
The statement continued: “This loss will be deeply felt across our organisation, by the hundreds of people he inspired and supported at the start of their careers, many of whom have gone on to great success, as well as across the wider automotive and WorldSkills community.”
Since news of Richard Hutchins’ passing emerged yesterday, messages of condolence have been shared widely across social media, underlining the respect and affection the collision repair industry held for Rich.
Michael Massey from Morelli Group said: “Nothing I say could express the heartfelt sadness I felt upon hearing the news. Rich mentored and guided me through many professional and personal obstacles over the years. I’ll forever be proud to have known and been part of his journey, and challenge anyone to find a more popular man.”
Steve Hoe from Steer Automotive added: “It was truly an honour and a pleasure to have known Rich. His passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to the automotive industry were infectious – you couldn’t help but be inspired by him.”
Passion and professionalism
Dave Walker from Evolution Automotive Training Solutions said: “I am proud to have known Rich, call him my friend and had the privilege to work alongside him and share his passion, his commitment and professionalism, but most of all his infectious laugh and smile and sense of humour, not to mention the bear hugs. He was always the first to take the mick out of himself and the man could light up a room with a look and a comment.”
Bodyshop editor Simon Wait added: “Anyone who had the pleasure of spending any time with Rich couldn’t help but be swept up by his passion for the trade – especially body repair and refinish – as well as his unrelenting enthusiasm for helping young people and apprentices at the start of their automotive careers. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, not least by the many hundreds of apprentices he coached and mentored while at NPTC, and more recently in the IMI Skills Competitions.”
The IMI is compiling a condolences book – anyone who wishes to make a tribute can email it to [email protected].
