Halfords Autocentres makes BEN a “long term partner”

Halfords Autocentres has made the automotive benevolent fund BEN a long-term partner. According to the company the move will see over 1,800 of the business’ employees helping to raise vital funds which will enable BEN to continue its work in the automotive community.

Each year BEN helps thousands of men, women and children – who either work or have worked in the automotive industry or are dependents of those who have – by providing different types of support tailored towards the circumstances of those affected. The nature of support will focus on providing information, advice and emotional support but can also extend to financial help.

Peter Cottle, head of business Development at BEN commented: “Being chosen as Halfords Autocentres’ charity partner is absolutely tremendous news for BEN. The positive reception we received from managers to the news bodes well for a very productive and enjoyable relationship.

“Partnering with such a strong and respected brand is very exciting and we are looking forward to raising awareness of how BEN can help colleagues in times of need as well as promoting the many different ways in which people can fundraise for BEN on an individual or team basis.”

As with most charities BEN is reliant on donations and Halfords Autocentres will therefore be working closely with BEN’s regional support network to devise enjoyable fundraising concepts that enable its workforce to really get behind the partnership.

Announcing the partnership at its annual conference earlier this month, Halfords Autocentres chief executive Bill Duffy said: “As a company employing thousands of people and serving customers across the UK, it’s very important that we give something back to local communities and do what we can to help those in need. We spent a lot of time looking at different charities and in BEN I believe we have found one that has a good fit with our business and also makes sense to the managers and technicians across the UK who will be bringing this partnership to life.” 

In order o kick-start the process Halfords Autocentres has created a dedicated fundraising website, to make it easier for employees to promote their activities and make the most of any funds, and introduced a voluntary salary sacrifice scheme.