News

Press Release - 24 May 2007

BEN Holds 17th Annual Lunch

BEN, the automotive Industry Charity, held its 17th Annual Lunch at the Savoy Hotel in London on Wednesday 16 May and nearly 300 industry guests and supporters were welcomed by Chief Executive, Gerard Barclay. Sponsors of the lunch were EurotaxGlass's whose long association with BEN has made this annual event possible and Mr Barclay thanked Deven Thakrar, MD of EurotaxGlass's, for his company's continued and generous support.

In his welcoming address Mr Barclay highlighted BEN's financial plight over the past 12 months and advised how there are still a number of automotive companies who do not support BEN and do not see the Charity's value. He gave some examples of innovative fundraising initiatives including the launch of the BEN Book of Numbers which is expected to raise significant income for his Charity.

In-keeping with tradition a number of awards were presented in recognition of the support given to BEN over the preceding twelve months including The EurotaxGlass's Cup: The Barry Needham Trophy: The Henley Cup: The BEN London Marathon Cup: The National BEN Week Champion Trophy (for details on each award see Editor's notes below).

Following the award ceremony and lunch, BEN's Guest speaker - Wing Commander, Andy Green OBE, captivated his audience with his description of his experiences. Nicknamed the fastest man on the planet, Andy broke the Land Speed Record in 1997, taking the Thrust SSC jet car to a supersonic 763 mph. In doing so he wrote himself indelibly into the history books as the first man to break the sound barrier on land. More recently Wing Commander Green reset the Diesel Land Speed Record in a JCB Dieselmax at a fraction over 350mph.

Further Information: Pictures available on request

BEN
Lorna Russell
Media Relations Officer
Tel: 01344 294765 / 07920 138187
Fax: 01344 622042
email: lorna.russell@ben.org.uk
Website: www.ben.org.uk

Editor's Notes:

BEN is the Automotive Industry Charity, the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Charity provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year. In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.

The EurotaxGlass's Cup:
For the trade journal which has provided the best editorial coverage and help to BEN throughout the previous year.
Awarded to Automotive Management magazine - for its editorial coverage of BEN's difficult financial position, raising much needed awareness of the Charity.
Tim Rose, AM's News Editor received the Award.

The Barry Needham Trophy:
For the organisation which has done the most to increase awareness of BEN.
Awarded to HPI and the RAC for their sponsorship of a DVD launching BEN's new corporate identity as well as real life case study footage on individuals who receive BEN's support. Daniel Burgess, Automotive Director of HPI, accepted the Award.

The Henley Cup:
For the volunteer group who has provided the most support to BEN, over a 12 month period.
Awarded to the Steering Committee of the AA who, under its new ownership, has offered significant support both on a corporate and volunteer level manifesting itself into an income to BEN of well over six figures. Jan Labrooy, the AA's Steering Group Chairman, collected the Award.

The BEN London Marathon Cup:
For the runner whose participation has done the most to further the cause of BEN.
Awarded and presented to Mike May who completed his fourth marathon for BEN in 4 hours - 20 minutes whilst raising several thousand pounds of sponsorship.

The National BEN Week Champion Trophy:
Given in honour of the most innovative or successful fundraising idea, by an organisation, during National BEN Week which for 2007 runs from 16 to 22 July.
Awarded to Northridge Finance which donated £1 to BEN for every deal it did during National BEN Week. Northridge also regularly sponsors a number of BEN events including the Scottish BEN Ball.