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.

BEN will be at stand 2700 in Hall 20 and to coincide with this exciting event BEN will be holding its Grand Prize Draw to win a Peugeot 107 Urban Move, which has been kindly donated by Peugeot Motor Co Plc, on the final day. Visitors to the show will have every opportunity of purchasing draw tickets from staff and volunteers on BEN's stand as well as being able to view an example of the car. Tickets are priced at £2 each.

Here are some of the highlights from BEN in 2008; BEN auctioned a special edition MV Augusta, F4 RR 312 Motorcycle at the MCI BEN Golf Tournament, The Steering Group of BENgold hosted its first annual BENgold lecture in July at the British Motor Show by Lord Digby Jones.

Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain's Chairman and former Jaguar was elected to the office of President of BEN in September, assuming the role from Christopher Macgowan. David Main, Chief Executive of the Civil Service Benevolent Fund will to be the new Chief Executive at the end of January.

Due to lack of interest BEN had to cancel its Summer Concert, which was to be one of its major fundraising events of the year. However, thanks to a variety of support, the Annual BEN Ball was held in December with over 700 guests enjoyed a sumptuous four course meal and a variety of entertainment. The evening incredibly raised almost £160,000, an extremely positive and encouraging result in the current economic climate. Traditionally the ball is BEN's largest fundraiser, generating a sum in the region of £270,000 and whilst the staff had predicted a reduction this year, the drop in income will of course impact on its year-end position.

Current market conditions mean BEN has already seen an increase in the number of our industry colleagues turning to it for support and thankfully it is managing to help all in need, but this increase comes at a time when its income, which is intrinsically linked to the industry via the support it offers, is under threat.

In summing up the last twelve months, Charles Davis, Director of Fundraising and Communications Commented "There is no denying that, in fundraising terms, 2008 has been a difficult year for BEN and as we move forward into 2009 we need to remind our industry colleagues that BEN still needs support. We will urge those who still have it in their power to maintain their support for BEN and if it is possible to consider whether they can afford to increase it. Whether they choose to organise a staff dress down day for National BEN week (13th -19th July 2009) or entering a vehicle in our fantastic Mille Miglia Rally (20th -29th June 2009) there are lots of opportunities for companies and individuals to get involved at a level that suits them."