NEWS www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2024 AFTERMARKET 7 Castrol turns 125 and unveils new strategy Castrol is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024. To commemorate the milestone, it has unveiled its Onward, Upward, Forward strategy along with a special 125-year commemorative logo that will be used throughout 2024 in events and sponsorships across the world. The company was founded on 9 March 1899 as CC Wakefield & Co. by Sir Charles Wakefield. This eventually became Castrol as we know it today. Michelle Jou, CEO of Castrol observed: “As we celebrate 125 years, Castrol is not just reflecting on the past but charting a course for the future. It’s a privilege to take Castrol’s 125-year-old iconic brand forward to serve the changing needs of customers and set our business up for future success.” For more information, visit: www.castrol.com Honk with your horn-y: All aboard the new BenBus Ben has hit the road in its new branded BenBus, which will be used to increase the charity’s visibility and raise awareness of its life-changing support. The BenBus is a VW Transporter camper van and the Ben on the Road team has already visited companies in Guildford with food and drinks. While in the town, the team also dropped in on the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event show team. Ellen Plumer, Head of Marketing and Outreach at Ben, said: “We’re delighted to be unveiling our new BenBus which will raise awareness about the vital services we provide for our automotive family. Knowing about Ben can make all the difference. If you see the bus out the road, give us a honk!” To book a visit from the BenBus or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.ben.org.uk/BOTR The IGA has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, encouraging him to use the upcoming Spring Budget to make changes to the Apprenticeship Levy to reverse an ongoing slump in the number of young people joining the garage trade. Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017, new Level 2 & 3 Light Vehicle apprenticeship registrations have fallen by 39%. The IGA has proposed utilising unused Levy funds to enhance trainee earnings for over-19s not employed, in education, or undergoing training to encourage them to enter the automotive industry, which would help garages and reduce the number of underqualified unemployed young people. Commenting on the proposal, IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: "It is widely recognised that there is a shortfall of suitably skilled professionals within the automotive sector, and we have urged the Chancellor to take appropriate action to halt the decline.” He added: This is a great opportunity for the Government to provide help and to take steps to fill the skills gap in the automotive sector." IGA urges Chancellor to rethink Apprenticeship Levy IGA signs on for Aftermarket Event More sector bodies are joining forces with the Aftermarket Event, which is taking place from 2-3 October at Farnborough International, and the IGA is the latest to add its considerable weight to the new show. Major suppliers from all across the sector have been jostling to secure the best slots. In all, the Aftermarket Event is set to include around 150 exhibitors, with 50 speakers appearing across two theatres themed around the Top Technician and Top Garage competitions. The event will also be co-located with another show, Safety, Health & Wellbeing Live. This will mean Aftermarket Event visitors can also learn more about workplace safety and occupational health. For more information, visit: www.aftermarketevent.uk NEWS In association with:
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