News

Press Release - 28 June 2007

BEN Appoints Charles Davis as Director of Fundraising & Communications

Charles Davis has joined BEN as Director of Fundraising and Communications, taking responsibility for developing and implementing a fundraising and marketing strategy which will increase income potential for BEN as well as establishing a strong future for the Charity.

As Head of Driver & Fleet Solutions, at RoSPA, for the past five years Charles has been responsible for the commercial success and development of RoSPA's key issue 'The Management of Occupational Road Risk' (MORR). Using innovation and technology to produce diverse products and services Charles' entrepreneurial ideas have contributed significantly to a year-on-year growth in turnover of 25% on a £2.3m budget culminating in a 2006 business growth of 45%.

Passionate about road safety and training Charles is an active member of the following bodies/associations:

• The Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers (AIRSO)
• The Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO)
• Member and founder member of the Fleet Safety Association (FSA)
• Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers & Commerce
• Steering Committee Member for the new DfT Driving for Work Champions Programme
• Head and founder of the National Association of Advanced Motorcycle Instructors (NAAMI)

The appointment of Charles Davis comes at a crucial time in the Charity's future development following a significant shortfall in year end funds. Davis revealed, "One of the first things I plan to do is generate additional funding from an automotive industry which remains unsure what an important role BEN plays. To do this effectively we will need to plan an awareness campaign directed at both our existing supporters and also to those companies who still need to understand how BEN can help staff within the automotive industry. He went onto say, "In order to change this, we must broaden our donor base across all sectors and this involves corporate donations and donations through payroll giving. If every company did something for BEN, this would solve our financial problems overnight. It is estimated that some 800,000 people work in the automotive business in Britain, and yet a very small percentage currently commit to making regular donations.

Further Information: Picture available on request

Lorna Russell
Media Relations Officer
Tel: 01344 294765
Mob: 07920 138187
Fax: 01344 622042
lorna.russell@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.

Website: www.ben.org.uk