Automotive industry charity Ben is celebrating 120 years of support for automotive workers and their families, as well as marketing a new chapter in its future strategic direction.

Ben was established in 1905, three years before the Ford Model T was introduced. Since then it has been a lifeline to thousands of people across the industry, offering support for life.

In line with this significant milestone, the charity is entering the next phase of its strategic transformation, unveiling a new vision and senior leadership team to meet the growing health and wellbeing needs of automotive people.

The charity’s three main goals over the next five years are:

In 2023, Ben announced its decision to transfer its care and retirement village to suitable alternative operators and become a single-focused charity, supporting the growing health and wellbeing needs of automotive people.

Since the launch of the charity’s previous strategic plan in 2018, demand for its health and wellbeing services has grown significantly. Ben’s insights suggest that the health and wellbeing needs of automotive industry people are vast and unmet; a key driver for Ben’s Board of Trustees to move in this strategic direction.

“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,” commented Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben. “We are embracing the road ahead with ambition and purpose, launching a future vision that will empower our automotive family to live their best lives. This is about driving a new era of health and wellbeing across our industry, focusing on the growing health and wellbeing needs of those who work (or have worked) in the automotive industry and their families.

“We have committed to significantly scaling our health and wellbeing services over the next 5-10 years, enhancing our preventative support and continuing to provide responsive support. Our care and village services were an integral and valued part of Ben for over 70 years; however, our future now focuses on the health and wellbeing needs of our automotive family.

“As we look ahead, we will continue to work closely with employers, partners, and industry leaders to ensure the health and wellbeing of automotive workers remains a shared priority. We all have a responsibility to look after each other, our automotive family, so that we can create a strong, resilient industry ready for the future.”

Ben recently announced a new senior leadership team to support Ben’s new strategic direction, further strengthening the charity’s ability to deliver on its mission and support everyone in the automotive family, from the workshop floor to the boardroom. Find out more about Ben’s senior leadership team by clicking here.