As the UK’s dedicated automotive industry charity, Ben is marking a remarkable milestone — 120 years of unwavering support for automotive people and their families. This anniversary not only honours more than a century of compassionate service, but also signals a bold new direction for the organisation’s future, designed to address the evolving needs of a dynamic and often demanding industry.
Since its inception in 1905, Ben has been a vital safety net for thousands of individuals in the automotive sector — from factory workers and technicians to senior executives — offering health, wellbeing and practical support when it’s needed most. Now, as the industry itself undergoes profound transformation, Ben is evolving in step, with a sharpened focus and an ambitious strategic plan set to guide its journey over the next five years.
A Clear Vision for a Healthier Automotive Family
At the heart of Ben’s transformation is a new vision statement that encapsulates its aspirations: “An automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well, and works well.” This philosophy underscores the charity’s belief that holistic wellbeing — mental, physical, emotional and financial — is not just a personal priority, but a foundation for a thriving automotive industry.
To bring this vision to life, Ben has defined three strategic goals that will shape its work through 2030:
- Treble charitable impact – significantly expanding the reach of its health and wellbeing services.
- Raise industry awareness – increasing recognition of Ben from one in six to one in three automotive professionals.
- Double fundraising income – securing vital resources to support its growing community.
A Mission Rooted in Purpose
Ben’s mission has been refined to reflect its laser focus on people. The charity now aims to:
- Provide health and wellbeing support for life to automotive workers and their family dependents.
- Partner with automotive employers to help build resilient, motivated workforces.
- Champion and influence positive cultural and systemic change across the industry.
This direction stems from the growing — and largely unmet — wellbeing needs of those in the automotive world. Since launching its previous strategy in 2018, Ben has seen a significant rise in demand for its services, particularly in areas related to mental health, financial insecurity, and emotional resilience. In response, the charity has taken decisive action.
A Strategic Pivot to Meet the Moment
In 2023, Ben made the difficult but forward-looking decision to transfer ownership of its care and retirement village to alternative providers. This move enabled the organisation to become a single-focused charity, fully committed to meeting the health and wellbeing needs of the automotive community — not only in times of crisis, but as a lifelong partner in personal resilience and recovery.
Ben’s 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.
“This is about driving a new era of health and wellbeing across our industry, focusing on the growing needs of those who work (or have worked) in the automotive industry and their families.”
Clift added that Ben is committed to significantly scaling its services over the next 5–10 years, with a mix of preventative and responsive support that reflects the real-life pressures faced by individuals across the sector.
Leadership for a New Era
To help steer this ambitious course, Ben recently unveiled a new senior leadership team, reinforcing its capacity to deliver its expanded mission. With a broad range of experience across health, social care, charity, and industry engagement, the team is well-positioned to champion the wellbeing agenda across every level of the automotive world — from the workshop floor to the boardroom.
A Shared Responsibility
As Ben celebrates its past, it remains firmly focused on the future. And in doing so, it’s calling on employers, industry bodies, and individuals alike to work together in shaping an industry where wellbeing is not an afterthought, but a shared priority.
“We all have a responsibility to look after each other,” said Clift. “Our automotive family deserves to be supported, empowered and equipped to thrive. That’s how we build a strong, resilient industry — one that’s ready for whatever the future holds.”
As Ben enters its next chapter, its legacy of compassion, connection and care will continue — only now, with greater scale, sharper focus, and a renewed sense of purpose.
