MIA Profile

The Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) is the world's leading trade association for the motorsport, performance engineering, services and tuning sectors, representing the specialised needs of this highly successful global industry, which is rapidly expanding throughout the world. 

The MIA was founded in April 1994 by leading figures in British motorsport at that time, who joined forces to form their own trade association with the aim of promoting one of the UK's most successful industries - motorsport. The original concept was proposed by Founder and CEO Brian Sims, and the first Executive Committee comprised Rob Baldock (Accenture);Dick Scammel (Cosworth);Tony Schulp (Haymarket);John Kirkpatrick (Jim Russell Racing Driver School) ;Tony Panaro (Euro Northern Travel) and Tony Fletcher (Premier Fuels). Rob Baldock became Chairman for many years, and John Kirkpatrick has succesfully remained on the annually elected committee - so retaining continuity since inception. Lord Astor of Hever DL accepted the invitation to become Honorary President in 1996 and has held that position ever since. To read the original papers announcing the launch of the MIA please click here.

The Association has since embraced an international network to reach the outstanding level it enjoys today with over 300 global members, whose companies transact well over £4 billion of motorsport business worldwide. The MIA :

• Assists its members to expand and raise their profitability. 
• Raises and maintains a positive profile for the motorsport industry and, when necessary, speaks for the sector as a whole 
• Works with the British and European Parliament to secure support which ensures the sector has a sound, long-term role within the economy
• Maintains a close, well-informed dialogue with UK politicians via the All Party Motor Group of which the MIA is joint secretary
• Works with UK Regional Development Authorities to promote their regions and their motorsport industry development
• Offers specific services of direct relevance to the Motorsport and Performance Engineering Industry, leaving general services to established providers. 
• Organises networking dinners with key speakers from the Sport and Industry 
• Offers careers advice to those seeking a Motorsport career
• Supports a variety of educational initiatives including; Formula Schools  Formula Student.
• Hosts specialist motorsport education groups -  the Motorsport Educators Forum (MEF) and the International Motorsport Education Forum (IMEF). 
• Organises Technology Transfer conferences and events - which bring,for example, the marine and defence sectors closer to MIA members 
• Organises relevant, cost effective events including seminars and conferences, to improve knowledge of critical issues
• Provides sources of research for industry to discover new markets and opportunities 
• Promotes and encourages energy efficient technologies in motorsport through the MIA's initiative, first conceived in 2001. 
• Works with government agencies in the UK and around the world to develop international trade and motorsport investment
• As the " Accredited Trade Organisation" for motorsport with UK Trade & Investment, the MIA delivers international trade activities in Australia, China, Japan, USA, Mexico, Brazil, The Gulf States, Malaysia and South Korea. 

The MIA represents its members from Motorsport, High Performance Engineering and Tuning companies, race and rally teams, governing bodies, motorsport services, research organisations, race circuits and universities and colleges amongst many others.The MIA enjoys membership of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) , in turn providing members access to the UK's “voice of Industry”.  Click here for more information