Category: Organisations

1. Royal Automobile Club’s Simms Medal awarded to Maeving

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 4th Nov 2024

   Royal Automobile Club’s Simms Medal awarded to Maeving for its innovative electric motorbikes designed and built in Britain

   Pall Mall, London, Tuesday 29 October 2024: today an all-new electric motorcycle conceived and created in Britain received a prestigious award for ‘an outstanding contribution to motoring innovation’ by the Royal Automobile Club, in a special ceremony.   The Simms Medal, named after the Club’s founder, was presented to Seb Inglis-Jones, who co-founded Maeving in 2018 with Will Stirrup to open a new era for the British motorcycle industry.   In the year the two friends founded their business, just 297 electric motorbikes were sold in the UK, while over 20m of them found buyers in China. However, the partners’ plan to import and sell Chinese-made models for the British market was soon parked when they decided the quality wasn’t good enough, and that removable batteries were key for ease of use in town and beyond.   In 2023 Maeving launched its first models, the RM1 and RM1S and the initial batch sold out within hours. It immediately became the best-seller in its sector. Following the tradition of legendary motorcycle names including Triumph, Norton and BSA, Maeving opened its factory in the West Midlands, in Coventry, and in doing so became Britain’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer.   Inglis-Jones and Stirrup met and bonded at Durham University and decided that one day they would open a business together. But the idea for an electric motorbike only came when Inglis-Jones bought one for his daily commute.   “We questioned why electric motorbikes lagged in sales and identified the single most important factor: removable batteries,” said Inglis-Jones. “So our innovation addresses the primary barrier to electric adoption – insufficient charging infrastructure – by allowing riders to power up from any standard socket.   “This approach contrasted with what major Western manufacturers were doing: designing heavy, high-powered models that served as alternatives to popular internal combustion-engined motorcycles, but often struggled with reliance on inadequate charging infrastructure.”   A deep and shared respect for the planet was another reason why the two gave up their jobs in the corporate world to found Maeving, and since then they have recruited what Inglis-Jones calls “one of the most talent-dense engineering teams in the world, with over 200 years of combined industry experience”, to help them. The team includes Graeme Gilbert, former Head of Product at Triumph.   “This idea stemmed from the notable discrepancy in electric two-wheeler sales between the East and West,” Will Stirrup added. “The level of experience and expertise in the Midlands is unparalleled. Harnessing this has made Maeving’s motorcycles the embodiment of craftsmanship and innovation.   “The whole Maeving team is thrilled that the Royal Automobile Club recognises our vision with the Simms Medal.”   Maeving joins a rollcall of British talent to have received the Simms Medal, which is presented only in years when the judges feel there is a worthy winner. This has included McMurtry Automotive, Williams Advanced Engineering, Riversimple and the Ariel Motor Company, as well as individuals such as Richard Parry-Jones CBE and Dr Rob Lewis OBE. A full list of previous winners is given below.   Ben Cussons, Chairman of the judges on the Royal Automobile Club Technical Committee (which awards the Simms Medal alongside the Dewar Trophy) said:   “Maeving’s achievement in designing and building an attractive and innovative electric motorcycle in the UK is a project that Frederick Simms would have been proud of. The business exudes the passion of its founders but has the financial backing and commercial nous that will help it achieve its ambitious aims.”

2. Adventure Country Tracks e.V. presents: A New ACT Film – A New Offroad Adventure Across Two Countries

   Posted on 2:00pm Monday 21st Oct 2024

   ACT Adventure Country Tracks e.V. has opened a new chapter with the eighth track of the ACT series. For the first time in ACT history, a track crosses two countries: Montenegro and Albania. This challenging adventure was meticulously prepared in multiple stages, starting with the first scouting missions in spring and culminating in a full team scouting in September.

   The new track starts near the Croatia track and can be seamlessly connected with the Greece track, thus linking these popular ACT routes. With more than 50% of the route being offroad and a difficulty level rated as "hard," this track is particularly suited for experienced adventure bikers looking to tackle the final offroad challenges of the Balkans with their large touring enduros.

   One of the track’s standout features is its flexibility: Over the course of 6 to 7 days, riders can follow various alternative routes with different difficulty levels. Some sections even offer exciting onroad detours. Additionally, the more difficult offroad sections at the end of the tour can either be spread out over two days or entirely enjoyed on-road, making ACT Montenegro and Albania one of the most versatile and thrilling adventure trips in the entire ACT lineup.

   Thanks to the support of numerous sponsors, this year also provided the opportunity to test an impressive variety of vehicles and products. In addition to the well-known Yamaha Teneres and the Triumph Tiger, KTM, Husqvarna, MV Agusta, two special Touratech BMWs, an Edelweiss Suzuki, and two Ducatis were part of the team. Equipped with the latest products from Garmin, GoPro, Sena, Metzeler, and Earpeace, as well as apparel from REV'IT!, Nexx, and Touratech, the team had the chance to thoroughly test the gear under extreme conditions. The expedition was also supported by Ford, Good Souls, and Westerfeld Logistics.

   The first videos of this adventure will be released in the coming weeks on Instagram and Facebook. The official film premiere of the new ACT movie will take place on December 6, 2024, at the Cinenova Cinema in Cologne. In addition to the ACT team, many partners and sponsors, ACT ambassador Charley Boorman will also be present, having experienced his third ACT track. After the premiere, guests will have the opportunity to exchange stories about the routes and their experiences with club members, partners, and fellow riders.

   In addition to the cinema premiere, the film will be released as usual on December 25 at 8:00 PM on the ACT YouTube channel.

    

3. Ben is here for families unable to afford food & living costs this summer

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 17th Jul 2024

   Automotive industry charity, Ben, is raising awareness about the support currently being provided to automotive individuals and families who are struggling with money worries, debt or urgent financial need.

   Due to the continued cost-of-living pressures, Ben is providing vital support for many automotive families who would otherwise have to make impossible choices such as whether to put food on the table or pay essential bills.

   Over the past 12 months, Ben’s helpline has managed nearly 16,000 enquiries and administered over 600 financial grants for those struggling with money. In addition, Ben’s support services team have provided hundreds of automotive individuals with financial information, advice and guidance to help them get back on track with their finances, as well as support them with the wider impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. In the last year, the demand for Ben’s services and support has grown by over 15%.

   Money worries often have a knock-on effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing. According to Ben’s research[1], 7 in 10 of our automotive family worry about money and these people are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, low mood and depression. Year on year, the number of people worrying about money has increased (from 6 in 10), debt increased by 3% (19% to 22%), being unable to budget increased by 12% (14% to 26%) and skipping meals increased by 6% (10% to 16%).

   With the summer holidays approaching, this time of year can be a real headache for parents. Additional costs add up over the holiday period and back-to-school items such as uniforms, bags and PE kits add financial pressure. Ben is urging automotive families not to struggle alone and to get in touch. Families who Ben has already supported have recently said:
   “Ben’s support has been amazing, thank you for making a real difference in our household. You have absolutely no idea how much this has meant to us after the year we’ve had.”

   “The food vouchers will make an amazing difference to the whole family. It’s been a long road this year. Although we’ve had lows, you’ve given us some great highs, especially for the family. You have been a great support.”

   “Thank you, I’m feeling rather overwhelmed. It will help a great deal and I am very grateful.”

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “Cost-of-living pressures are still having a significant effect on many people in our automotive family. As a parent myself, I know that families now face the added costs that the summer holidays bring, as well as the back-to-school expenses. This is why we need to make sure everyone in our automotive industry knows that Ben is here for them.  

   “If you’re worrying about how you’re going to afford your food shop or your bills and the effect this is having on your mental or physical health, please get in touch. You’re not alone, Ben’s here for you. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can help you get back on track. If you’re struggling or at breaking point, contact our free and confidential helpline today.”

   Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. Ben is already supporting many automotive families this Summer. Don't suffer in silence, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk. You can also access Ben’s out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 85258.
   
   Sign up to receive tips, advice and tools from Ben at www.ben.org.uk/signup and, for online support with money, visit www.ben.org.uk/money.

    

    

    

    

    

4. Scotland's ‘Live Fast Die Old’ Motorcycle Safety Campaign

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 11th Jul 2024

   The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland's ‘Live Fast Die Old’ Motorcycle Safety Campaign returns for the 2024 motorbike season.

   Despite accounting for less than 1% of all road traffic in Scotland, bikers account for 17% of road deaths, with negotiating bends and overtaking among the riskiest manoeuvres.

   The campaign, which will be live until 29 September 2024, features a series of films which highlight the thrill of riding in beautiful landscapes, while also reminding bikers to enjoy Scotland’s roads safely.

   The dedicated ‘Live Fast Die Old’ website and Facebook page house the campaign films and offer other rich and engaging content, with films and blogs from Scottish bikers sharing first-hand experience and tips with peers, as well as route inspiration and best practice advice.

   The campaign will be live on digital, social and outdoor channels supported by PR. Representatives from the ‘Live Fast Die Old’ campaign will also be attending this year’s Thunder in the Glens Festival in Aviemore (23 to 26 August 2024).

    

    

   article supplied

5. Ben launches new health checks for automotive industry people

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 18th May 2024

   Automotive industry charity, Ben, is launching new health checks for automotive people, offering the chance for those who work in the industry to have a personal MOT for their physical and mental health.

   Ben Health Checks can be booked by any automotive employer wanting to invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees. In today's fast-paced world and work environment, with multiple additional challenges, prioritising employee health and wellbeing has never been more important for any business. This is further supported by results from Ben’s Health & Wellbeing survey which indicate that 99% of respondents said they had experienced an issue with their health or wellbeing over the past 12 months.

   The health checks offer the opportunity for automotive employees to have one-on-one conversations about their physical and mental health with a qualified health professional. The health checks also identify potential issues and also suggest making positive changes so people can live and work well.

   Ben is offering two types of health checks; one focusing solely on physical health (20 minutes) and another that is a full MOT, checking both physical and mental health (30 minutes). In the physical health check, four tests are carried out including resting heart rate, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. The health professional will then discuss results with each employee and compare them with national health guidelines to provide a clear understanding of their current physical health. In the physical and mental health check, employees will undertake the same physical health tests as well as a mental health check-in to see how they are feeling in terms of levels of stress, mood and worry and coping day-to-day.

   To start the roll out of Ben's Health Checks, the team will be attending the upcoming UK Garage & Bodyshop Event from 5-6th June at the NEC, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more and have their very own health check.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “It’s never been more important for employers to prioritise employee health and wellbeing, especially at the moment when there are multiple work and life pressures on our automotive family. Employee absences can be linked to lifestyle-related illnesses, with factors such as alcohol, obesity and smoking known to be at the root of many health conditions.

   “With 1 in 3 automotive people reporting to be struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, providing a health check is a proactive step, empowering people to take control of their health and wellbeing so they can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By booking Ben Health Checks for your employees, you’re not only investing in your people and your business, you’ll also be supporting your industry charity."

   To learn more about Ben Health Checks and schedule a session for your employees, visit www.ben.org.uk/healthchecks. All health checks are delivered on site to allow for minimal disruption to the working day and they are private, confidential, and carried out on a one-to-one basis with a qualified health professional.

   It’s free to attend the upcoming UK Garage & Bodyshop Event from 5-6th June – so sign up by clicking here and receive your free Ben Health Check!

    

    

   article supplied