Industry Collaboration Helps Bring Ben Charity Banger Back to Life

A couple of weeks ago, I helped facilitate a special project dedicated to restoring a "banger" car that will soon embark on a charity road trip across Europe, into the Pyrenees mountains, in support of Ben, the automotive industry's charity.

The Delphi team's challenge was to find a car for £750 or less, embrace an 80s theme, and raise as much money as possible for charity along the way. What started as a simple request quickly became a fantastic example of how collaboration across the automotive sector can create opportunities and support charitable causes.

The opportunity arose when Kenny Kay at Delphi, an IMI Approved Centre and valued stakeholder in the IMI Skills Competition, approached me to ask whether he knew of any paint technicians who would be willing to respray the 2003 Volvo S60 before its European adventure.

Drawing on the strength of the IMI's industry network, I connected Delphi with Morelli, another long-standing stakeholder and supporter of the skills competitions. Morelli then helped coordinate the project through Eyebox, where the vehicle was professionally prepared and resprayed.

The story highlights the power of industry collaboration and demonstrates how strong relationships within the IMI community can benefit everyone involved. 

A number of organisations have generously supported the project, helping to transform the vehicle and prepare it for its journey across Europe:

• Dean Lomas provided servicing, repairs and mechanical support.
• Morelli coordinated and supported the vehicle's paint preparation and refinishing work.
• Glasurit donated the primers, basecoats and clear coat required for the respray.
• Delphi donated brake, steering and suspension components.
• Protyre supplied four brand-new tyres.
• Meachem's Auto Transport provided complimentary transportation of the vehicle.
• Brandit Clothing gifted the team's costumes and clothing to support the 80s-themed challenge.
• GSF Car Parts donated a service kit and essential maintenance items.

By bringing together employers, training providers, and industry partners, the automotive sector can create opportunities that give back to worthy causes such as Ben.

Projects like this reinforce the importance of maintaining strong connections across the industry and showcase how the IMI's network can help turn a simple request into something that delivers value for businesses, stakeholders and charities alike.

As the vehicle prepares to begin its journey across Europe, it stands as a great example of what can be achieved when the automotive community comes together to support both people and causes that matter.

The team's fundraising efforts won't end when the road trip does. Once the challenge is complete and the vehicle has returned from its European adventure, it will be auctioned, with all proceeds from the sale being donated to Ben. This means the car's journey will continue to make a positive impact long after it crosses the finish line, helping to raise even more funds for the automotive industry's charity.

If you'd like to support Kenny and the team's fundraising efforts for Ben, donations can be made via their fundraiser page.