The trade association has been strapped for cash for some time and has long been heavily dependent on the profits made by its training arm. The £25.5m sale to Carter & Carter will give the RMIF much needed funds to make good its £5.6m pension deficit and enable it to invest in its future. The deal comes on the back of the federation's move last October to get its house in order by rebalancing its books. The RMIF is now a much more streamlined operation employing under 50 staff across sites in London's Great Portland Street and Rugby. What it must do now is prove to its membership that it has not merely sold the family silver but has made a long term investment in its future. Meanwhile Carter & Carter's acquisition of Remit is welcome news for the automotive training sector as plc ownership should provide the investment the business needs to achieve its ambitious growth plans.