Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award
Hope Jepson 6 February 2026 About the competition
Running a successful independent garage has never been tougher. Skills shortages, rising costs, increasing pressure on teams and the everyday demands of running a business all take their toll.
That’s why, the Ben Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award, designed specifically to recognise independent garage businesses that are actively supporting their teams and building healthy, sustainable workplaces.
This award sits inside the Top Garage category and is free to enter.
Why this award matters to your business
Looking after your team isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s good business.
Research shows that employers can expect an average return of £5.30 for every £1 invested in workplace health and wellbeing, through:
- Reduced absence and staff turnover
- Improved productivity
- Better morale and team loyalty
- Higher levels of customer service and satisfaction
With ongoing economic pressure, skills shortages and increasing strain on NHS services, independent garage owners are playing a more important role than ever in supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of their teams.
This award recognises garages that go beyond basic compliance and are actively creating a positive, supportive working environment.
More than health & safety compliance
While all employers must meet Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, wellbeing extends far beyond legal obligations.
The Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award looks at:
- Leadership approach and workplace culture
- How wellbeing is supported day to day
- How teams are encouraged, listened to and valued
- How businesses adapt to challenges and support staff through them
It’s about recognising garages that are doing things properly, even when it’s not easy.
How the award is judged
The award is judged by Ben using Health & Wellbeing Assessment Framework, which is built around real-world garage operations.
The Process
Round 1 – Core Questions
A short self-assessment covering the foundations of good workplace practice.
Semi-finals – In-Depth Responses
Further questions and evidence around how wellbeing is managed and supported.
Finals – In person interview
A conversation with the judging panel to discuss your approach and experiences.
This process gives you the opportunity to reflect on your business, identify strengths, and highlight the positive steps you’re already taking.
Ben’s ‘My Life’ Wellbeing Model
Ben’s Health & Wellbeing model is called ‘My Life’. The animation below highlights the key components of Ben’s approach to supporting and managing health and wellbeing.
The ‘My Life’ model underpins everything Ben does from the way we support individuals who reach out for help, to the self-help resources available on our website, and the direct services and support we provide.
Core Principles
- Life is a journey with twists and turns. At times we move forward quickly, at other times we stand still. We encounter obstacles, challenges and, for some, significant life events.
- Each of us is in the driving seat. With the right skills, knowledge and support, we have far more control over our health and wellbeing than we might realise.
- The model does not suggest that life can always be good. Instead, it focuses on how we cope, manage and adapt, helping us make the most of our lives.
- Our greatest asset is our physical and mental health, regardless of whether we have a diagnosed health condition. Within the model, My Health is represented by dials ranging from poor to good, recognising that physical and mental health fluctuate and are closely linked.
Why enter?
By entering the Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award, you:
- Gain recognition for the way you support your team
- Benchmark your business against best practice
- Identify areas for improvement and development
- Demonstrate your values to customers, staff and future recruits
- Help raise standards across the independent garage sector
Finalists and winners also benefit from industry recognition and promotion as part of the wider Top Awards programme.
Who can enter?
The award is open to independent garage businesses of all sizes — whether you’re a small team or a larger operation.
You don’t need to be perfect. You simply need to show a genuine commitment to improving and supporting the wellbeing of your people.
Enter the Ben Automotive Health & Wellbeing Award
The Ben Award is part of the Top Garage competition and is completely free to enter.