Inspired by popular TV series 'Race Across the World', Ben’s epic new fundraising challenge has raised over £100,000 so far for the automotive industry charity to support those struggling or in crisis. This fundraising total includes offline donations and Ben is now calling for final donations.

Race Across Britain is raising vital funds for Ben to support people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and was proudly supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts. This fundraising activity is particularly crucial as Ben is supporting a record number of people due to the cost-of-living crisis.

From 26th to 28th February, 27 teams of two from LKQ Euro Car Parts; Alliance Automotive Group; Group 1 Automotive; Vendi Limited; ClickMechanic Ltd; Automotion Events Ltd/Lawgistics; eStar Truck and Van Ltd; Hella Ltd; Messe Frankfurt UK Ltd; Compact Car Centre Ltd; Walsall Wood Tyre & Service; Autotech Recruit Ltd; Rhino Group and GSF Car Parts Ltd showed incredible determination, ingenuity and resolve to complete this challenging event. They travelled from the starting point, LKQ Academy in Tamworth, to six different checkpoints including some major landmarks, Angel of the North, Blackpool North Pier and The London Eye.

Congratulations to the joint winners who finished first, from LKQ Euro Car Parts: ‘The Mavericks’, Tony Shearer and Andy Southby, and ‘Skint Sprint Squad’, Chris O’Rourke and Melanie Lowe.

There were strict rules such as no smart phones, no planes and no plans so participants were tested to the max, covering around 1,300 miles using only public transport or by walking, running and cycling. They also had a strict budget to cover food, travel and accommodation and checkpoints were kept secret until just before they needed to leave so they couldn’t plan or pre-book.

One team got an overnight bus from Blackpool to the London Eye and there were different tasks to complete including VR car spraying at LKQ Tamworth and finding Ben Bears hidden at LKQ Glasgow.

Donate & register interest
You can donate to show your support and register interest for potential future events.

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income said: “We’ve been blown away by the success of this event and it was frenetic, exciting, challenging and so much fun! Our participants did incredibly well to complete the challenge and huge congratulations to our two winning teams from LKQ Euro Car Parts who made it to the finish line first, you’re amazing!

“The automotive industry loves some healthy competition, so this was a great way to get together and have fun while also supporting your dedicated industry charity. Fundraising events like this are particularly crucial during a time when Ben is supporting more people than ever due to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Thanks so much to everyone who has taken part and donated to the challenge - we’re now calling for final donations. Donating to Race Across Britain will make a positive difference to people's lives and help those who are struggling, or in crisis, so please donate whatever you can."

Kevan Wooden, Group Chief Executive Officer at LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “It’s been remarkable to see so many colleagues from across the industry come together like this. Both customers and competitors alike have had fun, but more importantly, raised crucial funds for the vital work Ben does. I couldn’t be prouder. See you next year!?”

Whenever any member of our automotive family is struggling, or in crisis, we all rally to support.

• Frank Stephenson Design has showcased its latest design concept project, FSD 59 at Geneva International Motor Show
• The motorbike concept, FSD 59, is sculpted by airflow and has capability for real world application
• The project further amplifies Frank Stephenson Design’s prowess in different new technology and mobility design, such as space tourism, eVTOL, supercomputers, supercars, and baby seats
• For more details and information about Frank Stephenson Design, visit: https://www.frankstephenson.com/
• For images, visit https://bit.ly/FSD59_Images

Geneva, Switzerland. 27 February 2024 – Leading global design house Frank Stephenson Design has revealed its latest design concept, FSD 59, a futuristic motorbike that combines advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality.

FSD 59 is a project motorbike that showcases the vision and creativity of Frank Stephenson Design, which has previously worked on projects such as space capsules, eVTOLs, supercomputers, supercars, watches, baby seats and more. The concept is on display at the Geneva International Motor Show this week, where it is expected to attract attention and admiration from the public and the industry.

The design of FSD 59 is the result of a rigorous and creative process that involved experimenting with different architectures and technologies within the domain of electric and hydrogen propulsion bikes.

The design team aimed to create a bike that could adapt to different riding styles and preferences, such as sportbikes, supersport cruisers, and high-end commuters. To achieve this, they incorporated elements of customisation and adaptability, such as adjustable handlebars, footpegs, and seats. The bike is light and agile, without being too aggressive or compromising on comfort and safety.

FSD 59 is not just a concept, but a realistic prototype that has applications for the real world. It has the capability to feature an electric motor that delivers impressive performance and efficiency, as well as a pure aerodynamic design that minimises drag and maximises speed. The bike also boasts a modular battery monocoque platform, a dynamic windscreen angle adjustment, an AR-enabled HUD, and a monoblock fairing, among other innovative features.

The bike has been designed to cater to the diverse needs and desires of the riders, whether they want to cruise along the valley roads or enjoy a weekend at the track.

Frank Stephenson, Founder and Creative Director of Frank Stephenson Design said, "Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to present this to the world and we are very excited to share it. We look forward to announcing more news on this in the future."

Frank Stephenson Design is a global leader in design, with a reputation for creating products that are not only beautiful, but also functional, innovative, and sustainable. With FSD 59, the design house has once again demonstrated its ability to push the boundaries of design and create a product that is truly exceptional and visionary.

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An inclusive workplace welcomes and includes every employee. It ensures that employees feel accepted within the team they work in, across the wider organisation (as applicable) and supports them to thrive doing the work they perform.

In addition, an inclusive workforce is an environment that respects and values the unique traits of all employees and means that each employee can bring their authentic self to work.

Here are my top tips for developing an inclusive workplace:

Start at the top!
Like all workplace initiatives, engagement at a senior level is paramount. Senior leaders should understand and be able to define what being inclusive means and live by this day to day. Without this, developing an inclusive workplace just won’t happen.

In addition to this, senior leaders need to give some of themselves to their workforce and be authentic, as this will help others do the same. This isn’t always easy when you feel you need to keep everything private so as not to blur professional boundaries, but you can still strike a balance. By bringing your whole self to work and sharing the things in life you place value on, you will better connect with your workforce and show others that it’s safe for them to do the same.

Embed it into the organisation
Embedding inclusion into any organisation starts by considering it your mission and vision and ensuring it features in your organisation’s values and ambitions. To truly embed any initiative into an organisation not only requires robust policies and procedures but also ensures that inclusion is considered at every touch point in the employee life cycle. This is from attraction, during the recruitment process through to onboarding, induction, performance management, employee engagement and even when someone leaves the organisation.

Like all initiatives, it’s unlikely to stand the test of time without investment in awareness and engagement. This is why embedding training and development specifically to maintain an inclusive culture should be a continuous focus from induction and throughout an employee’s length of service.

Embrace diversity
Inclusivity is often considered to be the next step in supporting a diverse workforce so creating and embracing a diverse workforce is a great starting point for any organisation. Given that diversity is the collective mix of employee differences and similarities which, outside of any protected characteristics, even includes individual characteristics, values, beliefs, experience, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviours. On this basis, no matter where an organisation’s starting point is, every organisation has diversity in their workforce now. Understanding your workforce and getting to know your people is key to opening up an inclusive culture.

Think ‘employee experience’
Traditionally, organisations talk about employee engagement, referring to the strength of mental and emotional connection that employees feel towards the work they do, their teams and their organisation. Having a stronger focus on employee experience will not only enhance employee engagement but it also fosters a sense of belonging and community. This requires an organisation, its leaders, and managers to really think about the physical and psychological environment people work in. This includes the facilities and signage provided and used on-site; the way communication is managed and shared; language being adopted by everyone; celebrating a range of diverse events; awareness campaigns and dates in the calendar.

The employee experience also includes encouraging openness; welcoming and pro-actively seeking people’s thoughts, feedback and ideas; helping them build personal skills or introducing the right forums for those who may not be able to do this, to really enable a contribution by all. Ultimately, if everyone working for an organisation is more mindful of the employee experience it will enhance what it feels like to work there. The employee experience is everyone’s responsibility, not just senior leaders or managers.

Keep inclusion moving
Inclusion can’t be static; it needs to keep moving, evolve and continually develop over time. An organisation needs to stay closely connected to its workforce to ensure it continues to move with it. It’s key to make inclusion an intentional habit for everyone, meaning that employees are reminded of this on a frequent basis and it becomes part of the organisation’s DNA. Finding the best way to quantify and measure inclusion as an organisation is also a critical success factor.

To find out more about how Ben can support your organisation and the health and wellbeing of your employees, contact Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben: [email protected]. 

In our modern fast-paced lifestyle, the quest for the ultimate driving experience can lead more and more people to try out options beyond the norm. Honda leasing provides a fascinating point of entry into a universe where the pleasure of motorcycles blends into the elegance of cars. The combination of these distinctive features would provide the supporters with an unmatched experience which is designed exactly according to their mindset and taste.  

Two Wheels or Four?Why Not Both!

You don't only ride a motorcycle, you become one with the road. The wind in your face, the quick changes between lanes, and the adrenaline rush from the wild speed you can't find anywhere else. Conversely, Honda cars bring their own set of pleasures: comfort, security, and the pleasure of a peaceful drive with relatives and friends. Combining these worlds provides for an exploration of freedom and excitement, with something for every mood.

A Palette of Choices for All Enthusiasts.

The Honda vehicle line-up is renowned for its broad range, which means that there is always something for everyone. From the raw power of an adventure bike to the elegance of a sedan, our range is tailored to fulfill your every need and dream. Exploring both types of vehicles is like discovering a whole new world of fun. Whether you are looking for a calm individual ride or a family ride, all under the Honda brand.

Adventure is in Store! Honda Motorcycles  

For those who are looking for adventure, Honda motorcycles give a chance to ride on the open road and enjoy the excitement. Adventure bikes like the Africa Twin encourage riders to venture onto both asphalt and gravel, proving that limits are just a matter of interpretation. These bikes are your passport to adventure that guarantees every ride leads to excitement and surprise.

The Relaxation and Elegance in the Honda Cars

On the other hand, Honda cars can be considered a haven of comfort and luxury. The Accord and the Civic are the two vehicles that epitomize engineering excellence, which is a mix of performance and luxury. They are ideal companions for daily commutes or long, carefree drives where you can savor the journey as much as the destination.

Tailoring Your Experience

Personalization is the significant factor in developing the superior driving experience. Leasing options allow you to change look of you garage as you grow and evolve without having to commit to a permanent purchase. Honda leasing offers you the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds, switching between the excitement of two wheels on one day, and the calmness of four on another, as your heart desires.

Join the Honda Family

Joining the Honda family isn’t just about driving a vehicle, it’s about having a lifestyle. A lifestyle where each ride is a journey of discovery and every trip an adventure waiting to occur. Through a legacy of dependability and innovation, Honda remains a leader for enthusiasts who want the ultimate driving experience.

Concluding the Ride

Indeed, when motorcycles and cars are combined, a wide range of emotions and experiences emerge. Honda's versatile selection of cars ensures that enthusiasts never run out of options, whether they're looking for two-wheeled thrills or the calm dignity of four. You may explore the whole lineup of Honda products, which allows you to customize your driving experience to fit your lifestyle and make every trip more than just a drive. 

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Team Gresini MotoGP and Battipav shake hands once again and will be together in 2024 for a new journey, this time a bit more Spanish-flavoured given the arrival of Marc Marquez to pair up with confirmed brother Alex. 
 
Present in all countries hosting the MotoGP World Championship, Battipav will make the most of activations and sponsorship synergies.

The Battipav brand will be visible on the Ducati machines as well as on the leathers of Marcand Alex Marquez, inside Gresini’s MotoGP pit-box and on the team trucks.

STEFANO TONDINI –BATTIPAV GENERAL MANAGER
“With the arrival of Marc Marquez, we couldn’t but renew the partnership with the Gresini family for 2024! The Ambassador project by Battipav is going from strenght to strenght, not only in Europe but also around the world: in the most part of this year’s 21 races, the Ambassadors of the Battipav brand will be able to live the #BattipavExperience as protagonists, this year more than ever with the winning duo of the Marquez brothers. Team Gresini and Battipav share core values such as family, passion and Made in Italy with the Red (with a light-blue livery) machine from Borgo Panigale, so we start this 2024 full throttle and together once again!”
 
CARLO MERLINI – GRESINI RACING COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
“We start a third year together with Battipav, a great international institution and Italian pride. We feel very close and in 2024 we’ll continue to work together with the same approach that has always characterised this partnership. A big thank you goes to Stefano and the whole Battipav family for the trust placed in our project, it’s going to be a very interesting season.”