Ben celebrates 120 years with new strategic vision

Automotive industry charity, Ben, is marking an incredible milestone as it celebrates 120 years of dedicated support to people in the automotive sector and their families. In tandem with this anniversary, the charity has announced a bold new strategic direction, setting the stage for a transformative future focused on health and wellbeing.

Building on its longstanding commitment to providing ‘support for life’, Ben has unveiled a refreshed vision to meet the increasing needs of those working across the sector. Central to this new chapter is a powerful future-facing vision: An automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well, and works well.

The charity’s roadmap for the next five years outlines three ambitious goals:

• Trebling its charitable impact
• Increasing awareness of Ben among automotive workers from one in six to one in three
• Doubling income through fundraising initiatives

CEO Rachel Clift reflected on the charity’s evolution: “Our 120th birthday has been a time to reflect on the incredible impact Ben has had over the years, as well as taking time to look ahead. We’re embracing the road ahead with ambition and purpose, launching a future vision that will empower our automotive family to live their best lives.”

Ben’s strategy also includes a renewed focus following the 2023 transfer of its care and retirement village to alternative operators. This move positions Ben as a single-focused charity prioritising the growing mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing needs of automotive workers and their dependents.

To support this mission, Ben recently introduced a new senior leadership team, reinforcing its ability to deliver expanded services and deeper industry partnerships. The charity’s updated mission encompasses:

• Lifelong health and wellbeing support for automotive people and their families
• Collaboration with employers to build a resilient and motivated workforce
• Championing positive, systemic change across the sector

This strategic shift underscores Ben’s continued relevance and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry landscape. By working closely with employers, partners, and industry leaders, Ben aims to ensure that health and wellbeing remain at the forefront – driving a stronger, more resilient automotive workforce and ultimately delivering a better tomorrow for all.

To learn more about Ben’s new senior leadership team, visit: www.ben.org.uk/SLT.