Dealers Backing BEN
June 9th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
BEN is calling on the UK dealer industry to support its new campaign to help fund its annual £11m running costs.
The new Dealers Backing Ben initiative could raise more than £500k each year.
This would be from car dealers agreeing to donate £1 from the sale of each car at auction – and today’s launch of the scheme hopes to gain big support from the industry.
Nigel Williams, BEN’s head of national development, said: ‘Dealers backing BEN provides a unique opportunity to support your industry charity in a very simple way.’
It follows a similar model that has proven a success in the contract hire and leasing sector. That was based on the volume of vehicles sold through auction. Donations are set at approximately £1 per car and all administration is handled by the auction house, free of charge.
Other sectors of the industry also contribute big to BEN – with the latest being car maker and importers who pay a set sum for all cars registered.
15,000 people are helped by BEN each year – and more than 1 million could be eligible for support. This is why so many millions are needed each year to keep it running.
David Main, BEN’s chief exec, said: ‘BEN is the charity for people in your industry, and their dependents.
‘For us to be effective, it is vital that you and those who work in your businesses know about BEN and the help we provide.
‘This new initiative will help us reach out to more people and ensure the services we provide meet their needs.’
It won’t even cost you anything, either. By deducting the donation from the sale price of each car, the net cost to the dealer will be less after taking into account VAT calculations.
With today’s launch of the scheme, are you in?
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