News 8 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2024 Automotive industry charity Ben has unveiled new details about its two biggest events of the year in a bid to raise a total of £150,000 to help fund its life-saving support for those struggling or in crisis. Ben’s Big Breakfast aims to serve up food for thought and encourage everyone to dish up practical support by organising a breakfast gettogether during the week of World Mental Health Day, which will be marked on October 10. According to the charity’s recent research, one in four automotive people are struggling with their mental health and 29% are experiencing loneliness, so breakfast can be an ideal opportunity for colleagues to catch up with a coffee or bond over a bacon butty, Ben said. Automotive companies or groups are invited to host a breakfast event during the week of October 7-13 and encourage colleagues, customers, friends and family to bring, bake or make a spread and then sell their goodies to raise money. Meanwhile, the charity has revealed this year’s Ben Ball will be a ‘Great Gatsby’-themed event with all the glitz and glamour of the 1920s. Entertainment at the ball will be from the Electro Swing Project. As featured on London’s West End, the awe-inspiring show will be by the same performers who captivated the Ben Ball 2020 audience with their ‘Greatest Showman’ performance. Ben serves up breakfast idea to focus on mental health Steer Automotive expands with Rye Street takeover Steer Automotive has acquired accident repair business Rye Street Group for an undisclosed sum. Steer said on September 2 said the move would extend its reach into Hertfordshire and Essex and strengthen its capabilities in parts procurement and estimation. Rye Street, operating since 1990, manages a network of seven repair centres and holds 23 manufacturer approvals and 24 insurer approvals. Steer said the “strategic geographical acquisition” underscored the group’s commitment to expanding service capabilities and enhancing customer experience. Rye Street MDs Bill Duffy and Lee McNaughton will be leaving the business as part of the transition while Nick Ferris and the senior management team will remain to ensure continuity and stability, Steer said. “This will allow the team to continue delivering the high standards of service that Rye Street is known for, while benefiting from the additional resources and expertise that the group brings.” Steer CEO Richard Steer said: “This acquisition is a strategic step towards our vision of providing unmatched automotive repair services across the UK. “We are particularly excited to welcome our new colleagues, whose expertise and dedication have laid a strong foundation that we are eager to build upon.” HEVRA’s supercar ‘rEVive’ plan Technical support provider for electric and hybrid vehicles, HEVRA, has launched its ‘rEVive’ supercar support programme. The move is in response to growing demand for specialised technical assistance with exclusive vehicles. HEVRA technical director Peter Melville said even the most exclusive models on the road can now receive the care they deserve. Support can be provided remotely or in person or a combination of both, HEVRA said. The service is available in mainland England and Wales, but could be expanded depending on demand. Details of rEVive are on the company’s website.
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