IGA Donates £10,000 to Ben Automotive Charity at BIG Awards 2024

At the 2024 British Independent Garage (BIG) Awards, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) proudly announced a generous donation of £10,000 to Ben, the automotive industry charity. Ben provides essential support to the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.

Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, commented “We are honoured to support Ben and the incredible work they do for our industry. As independent garages, we know how challenging this sector can be, and Ben’s efforts to provide much-needed care and support are invaluable. This donation is our way of giving back to a charity that continuously uplifts the automotive community.”

The donation was a highlight of the evening, which celebrated the achievements of independent garages across the UK. Ben’s work directly impacts many people within the industry, enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Ben is on a mission to help more people each year; three times as many by 2030. We know this is a bold ambition, but one we can achieve with the help of our industry. We can’t thank the IGA enough for their generosity and, together, we will support people in our industry when they face life’s toughest challenges. Support from businesses, and their employees, helps ensure Ben is always there for those who need us, and the IGA’s donation will make a life-changing difference.”

For more information about Ben and the charity’s services, visit https://ben.org.uk.

Press Contact:
Shannon Mee
Communications Officer
Independent Garage Association
Phone: 01788 538 350
Email: shannon.mee@rmif.co.uk

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.

For further information, please contact:

Leila Moss-Kelly
Communications, Content & Impact Manager, Ben
leila.moss-kelly@ben.org.uk
Direct dial: 01344 298 126

DVSA Show Support for Independent Garages at the BIG Awards 2024

We are excited to announce a significant development for the BIG Awards 2024. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has extended their support to the British Independent Garage of the Year (BIG) Awards, emphasising the importance of excellence and innovation in the independent automotive sector.

“At DVSA we’re really happy to be supporting the celebration of this important sector at the Big Awards 2024. Great customer service from independent garages must be applauded, as it helps customers trust the expert safety advice that garages give out to the public on a daily basis. Improving the standards in an already impressive sector will benefit everyone and DVSA is proud to be a part of it.” Says Neil Barlow, Head of MOT Policy at DVSA.

This support represents a pivotal step in recognising and promoting the vital role independent garages play in maintaining road safety and vehicle standards. The DVSA’s involvement brings a wealth of expertise that will significantly enhance the impact of the BIG Awards.

Stuart James, CEO of the Independent Garage Association, expressed his gratitude for DVSA’s sponsorship, stating, “DVSA’s support not only validates the hard work and dedication of these businesses but also highlights the critical role they play in ensuring vehicle safety and reliability. We are thrilled to have the support of DVSA for the BIG Awards 2024.”

We look forward to working closely with the DVSA to celebrate independent garages’ achievements, and promote excellence within the industry and impact the standards and successes of the independent garage sector nationwide.

For more information about the Independent Garage Awards BIG Awards 2024, please visit https://bit.ly/BIGAwards24

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NOTES TO EDITORS –

About the Independent Garage Association
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent representative body in the independent garage sector, offering advice, support, and advocacy for independent garages across the UK. The IGA is committed to ensuring high standards of service and professionalism within the industry. For more information, visit www.independentgarageassociation.co.uk.