BEN’s Annual Lunch traditionally gives BEN the opportunity to present awards to companies and individuals whose support has been invaluable over the previous year. However, this year’s event was cancelled due to financial restrictions so 24 September 2009 saw the BEN Awards ceremony take place at their Town Thorns Care Centre near Rugby. Six trophies were given to individuals and organisations for their efforts and achievements in support of BEN in 2008-2009.

Trade Journal of the Year was won by Aftermarket who have provided continual general coverage, free advertising space and took part in Aftermarket on Tour, raising awareness and significant funds for BEN. The award was collected by Editor, Tom Mallens.

The Barry Needham Trophy is awarded to the organisation that has worked hardest to increase awareness of BEN over the year and was won by Chicane, a Marketing and PR Company specialising in the automotive industry. Chicane have championed BEN’s work, provided PR and Marketing agency services free of charge and supported BEN in reaching out to the trade media through targeted media awareness days and relationship building. Director Gary Barak collected the award.

The Henly Cup is awarded to the voluntary group who have had the biggest impact on BEN’s work throughout the year and this year was won by BENfriends who visit new and existing beneficiaries and offer emotional support, advice and friendship and support BEN’s welfare team. They give up their personal time to help those in need and in 2008-2009 they donated 1,375 hours in visiting and writing reports. Long-serving BENfriend Denis O’Dell collected the award on behalf of BENfriends.

The National BEN Week Trophy is presented to the most innovative or successful idea during National BEN Week. This year’s winner; Ontime Automotive Limited hosted a fantastic fun day for staff and their families with a traditional hog roast, rock climbing, driving simulator, surf simulator and toilet racing.

The BEN London Marathon Cup is awarded to the runner whose participation has done the most to further the cause of BEN through awareness or sponsorship. This year’s winner, Toby Poston raised more than £3,300.

The Lynwood Cup is given to the individual volunteer who has contributed most to BEN during the year. This year’s winner was Judith Shaw, a BENfriend who also visits flat residents at Lynwood, is a member of the Lynwood League of Friends and supports Welfare with general administration.

BEN’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Charles Davis, said:
“Our heartfelt thanks go to all award winners and nominees who have given so much time and effort to support BEN. Thanks to you all we are able to remain at the heart of the automotive industry, providing help and support to those who need it.”

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.