Motability Operations enters new partnership to support automotive charity
Motability Operations has 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 per cent in the last year. 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, it is expected that this 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, commented: “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 per cent 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 per cent 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, adds: “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.”
A Motability Operations spokesperson says that it believes in the power of community and supporting one another and through its partnership with Ben, it hopes to help the people who keep the automotive industry moving.
Earlier this month, Motability Operations announced that it had partnered with tech growth platform Tech Nation to launch Creo, the first dedicated UK programme for founders with disabilities and those innovating for the disabled and neurodiverse communities.
