Crewe, 23 January 2026 – Bentley Motors today announces the launch of The Bentley Foundation, a renewed philanthropic initiative rooted in the company’s Beyond100+ strategy. Building on the success of the Bentley Environmental Foundation, the Foundation will expand its focus beyond environmental sustainability to include arts and culture, and global education, reflecting Bentley’s belief that a sustainable future requires both human and planetary flourishing.
The launch also marks the announcement of The Queen’s Reading Room as the Foundation’s first strategic partner, coinciding with the UK’s National Year of Reading. Further partners across all three pillars of the Foundation—environment, arts and culture, and education—will be revealed in due course.
From Environmental Stewardship to Holistic Impact
Since its inception in 2023, the Bentley Environmental Foundation achieved significant, measurable outcomes. Over just two years, the initiative supported 21 environmental projects across 15 countries, delivering more than 1,600 targeted activities in collaboration with ten global organisations and directly benefitting over 636,000 people. Notable achievements included planting 200,000 mangrove trees in Kenya, creating 26 new green spaces in the UK, and restoring local ecosystems around Bentley’s Crewe headquarters through a renewed partnership with The Rivers Trust.
The Bentley Foundation builds upon this strong foundation, recognising that sustainability extends beyond environmental action. By integrating arts, culture, and education, Bentley aims to foster creativity, knowledge, and community connection—critical elements in shaping a future that is regenerative, resilient, and inclusive.
First Partnership: The Queen’s Reading Room
The Queen’s Reading Room, founded by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, will serve as the Foundation’s inaugural philanthropic partner. The charity’s mission—to promote books, reading, and the life-enhancing benefits of literature—aligns with Bentley’s broader vision of societal impact.
Through this partnership, The Bentley Foundation will support the charity’s second pioneering neuroscience study, led by Professor Sam Wass at the University of East London. This research will examine the physiological and psychological effects of shared reading, exploring how reading together in book clubs and reading groups can reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and improve mental health.
This builds on the 2024 study, which revealed that just five minutes of reading could reduce stress by nearly 20 percent. The second phase will apply rigorous scientific methodology to deepen understanding of reading’s role in education, wellbeing, and community cohesion.
Vicki Perrin, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Reading Room, said:
“We have always believed passionately in the transformative power of reading, and our first study revealed glimpses of its remarkable effects on improving wellbeing and connection. The Bentley Foundation enables us to explore even further, investigating how shared moments with books can truly transform individuals and communities.”
A Partnership-Led Approach for Measurable Change
Guided by Beyond100+, The Bentley Foundation adopts a partnership-led model, prioritising collaboration, co-creation, and measurable impact. The Foundation seeks to work with organisations whose initiatives contribute to regeneration, opportunity, and resilience for both people and the planet, extending Bentley’s responsibility well beyond its own operations.
Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEIB Officer and head of The Bentley Foundation, commented:
“The evolution of The Bentley Foundation represents a deepening of our philanthropic ambition. By broadening our focus, we are recognising the vital role that arts, culture, and education play alongside environmental action in shaping a sustainable future. Our partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room is a powerful expression of that belief.”
Looking Ahead
The Bentley Foundation will continue to operate with transparency, responsible governance, and a focus on long-term societal value. Colleagues, partners, and the public will be invited to engage with and support the Foundation’s mission, contributing to a world where creativity, sustainability, and opportunity empower future generations.
Further charitable partnerships will be announced in the coming months, spanning environmental innovation, cultural preservation, creative expression, and educational access. With this renewed commitment, Bentley positions itself not only as a manufacturer of luxury vehicles but as a steward of meaningful, lasting positive change.
