Ben marks 120 years with mission to ramp up support

14 July 2025  

Ben is celebrating 120 years of support for automotive workers and their families, as the industry looks to the future.

Following the recent unveiling of its senior leadership team, the charity said its three main goals over the next five years are to treble charitable impact and help more people, increase awareness about Ben for those working in the industry and to double income through fundraising.

At the heart of Ben’s evolution is its new vision statement of the world the charity wishes to influence:  ‘An automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well, and works well.’

As part of Ben’s renewed direction is a mission to provide health and wellbeing support for life for automotive people and their family dependents. The charity said it is committed to partnering with automotive employers to build a resilient and motivated workforce, while championing and influencing positive changes for the industry.

In 2023, Ben announced its decision to transfer its care and retirement village to suitable alternative operators and become a single-focused charity, supporting the growing health and wellbeing needs of automotive people.

‘New era’

Since the launch of Ben’s previous strategic plan in 2018, demand for the charity’s services has grown significantly.

Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “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.

“This is about driving a new era of health and wellbeing across our industry, focusing on the growing health and wellbeing needs of those who work (or have worked) in the automotive industry and their families.”

Clift said Ben will significantly scale up its health and wellbeing services over the next five to 10 years, enhancing preventative support and continuing to provide responsive support.