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Published: 15 Oct 2024

Motability Operations enters new partnership to support Ben, the automotive charity

Category: Partnerships

Motability Operations enters new partnership to support Ben, the automotive charity: Motability Operations partners with automotive charity Ben

Motability Operations has today announced a new partnership with Ben, the charity which helps those working in the automotive industry to navigate life’s challenges.  

The automotive sector is going through a period of rapid change and demand for Ben’s services has grown by over 15% in the last year alone. Ben currently supports around 16,000 people a year, offering over 600 financial grants for those struggling, but with support from organisations like us they hope to do even more in the future.  

To raise money for Ben’s vital services, Motability Operations will be donating £1 from the sale of every vehicle through the mfldirect platform, over a six-month period. And with around 1,000 ex-Motability Scheme cars sold each day, that could add up to a donation of £108,000 or more! 

Craig Ford, Head of Sales, Marketing, and Digital Solutions at Motability Operations, which runs the mfldirect platform for car dealers, shares why this partnership matters: 

“It’s tough out there for motor dealers, particularly smaller, independent businesses. We’re hearing about the impact of rising costs, inflation, and the general squeeze on cash flow. The cost-of-living crisis is also taking a toll on mental health, which is why we’re proud to support Ben, who are experts in helping people navigate these challenges.” 

According to Ben’s latest Health and Wellbeing survey, the impact on the automotive industry is clear: 

  • Over half of dealership workers report feeling stressed (55%), struggling with sleep (53%), or experiencing low mood (44%) over the past year. 
  • Money worries are a major concern, with 29% saying the cost-of-living crisis has affected them, and some even skipping meals to get by. 

However, the report also reveals that nearly 30% of those in the industry have sought no support for their health or wellbeing in the past year, even though help is available. 

Ben’s Director of Partnerships, Matt Wigginton, highlights just how important initiatives like this are: 

“Thanks to partnerships like the one we have with mfldirect, we can reach more people who need support. Whether it’s helping individuals with financial issues or mental health struggles, every contribution allows us to make a lasting difference.” 

At Motability Operations, we believe in the power of community and supporting one another. Through our partnership with Ben, we hope to help the people who keep the automotive industry moving with us.  

- ENDS - 

Notes to editors

About Ben 

Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents. 

Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services. 

Ben provides life-changing support to those facing crisis as well as helping them prevent crisis.  

Ben’s support empowers people to be more in control of managing their health and wellbeing to help them live well, think well, feel well and work well. Ben’s support is tailored and relevant to the needs of the individual, based on a wide range of support options and addressing every aspect of a person’s life.  

Visit www.ben.org.uk.  

About Motability Operations and mfldirect 

Motability Operations runs the mfldirect platform and is one of the UK’s largest wholesale used vehicle suppliers, selling over 200,000 cars a year to dealers across the UK.  

Motability Operations Ltd is the largest vehicle leasing company in the UK. We run the Motability Scheme, where people receiving a qualifying disability allowance can choose an affordable and accessible vehicle.   

We play an essential role in connecting our 800,000 disabled customers to work, healthcare, education, and independence and provide unrivalled value. On average, the Scheme is 45% cheaper than alternative options, and includes insurance, breakdown, tyres and servicing.   

We are a key part of the automotive sector and play an essential role in helping the EV infrastructure become more accessible and inclusive.  

mfldirect.co.uk  

Contact information

Press Office
pressoffice@mo.co.uk

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