A groundbreaking initiative targeting the UK dealer groups has been launched by BEN in a determined drive to drive to provide it with increased funding in an ongoing, consistent and hassle-free way.

Every dealer is being asked to donate £1 from the sale of each of its cars sold through auction to our industry charity in a new campaign entitled Dealers Backing BEN.

It is estimated that the largest retail groups could raise more than £500,000 a year for BEN in its work to help more than a million people that could be entitled to its support.

The contribution is estimated to be the equivalent of just £1 each for those working in the retail sector.

Also, the deduction of a donation at point of sale will, in fact, cost a dealer less than £1 after taking into account VAT calculations.

Nigel Williams, BEN head of national development, said: “Dealers Backing BEN provides a unique opportunity to support our industry charity in a simply way, allowing dealers to get on with running their business, while helping BEN to support your staff and their immediate families when they need our help most.”

An added bonus to the new scheme is how little administration is required by dealers.

Once a dealer has signed an agreement to participate, auction houses then administer the initiative and deduct £1 for each vehicle sold. The money is sent to BEN each quarter.

The dealer receives a record of the donations also. Although the contributions will be collected by the auction houses, they will be recognised as a donation from the original vendor.

A dealer will also get tax relief by deducting the amount of the donation from its profits and paying less corporation tax.

Dealers Backing Ben comes on the back of a similar scheme, using auction sale profits, this time from leasing companies.

Around 15,000 people are helped by BEN every year, including 350 who live in one of its four residential care centres.

To keep BEN running costs around £11m a year with over 86% of all funds spent directly on care and support.

To view the Dealers Backing BEN application form click here.