June 2018

JUNE 2018 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Mental health issues were the second biggest concern for automotive industry people during 2017 according to Ben, the not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their family dependents. Ben has found that mental health queries accounted for 31% of all contacts to its helpline. Additionally, the most popular pieces of online blog content on Ben’s website are around anxiety, with over 10,000 views, and depression, with over 5,000 views (April 2017 to April 2018). Anxiety and depression are also regularly in the top five reasons why people seek support from Ben’s helpline. Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place in May, focused on stress. Ben has launched a new tool on its website to help people check their anxiety and stress levels. Zara Ross, Chief Executive of Ben, said: “We want to make sure that the people of the automotive industry know we are here for them when they need us. The automotive industry continues to go through a challenging time and this means that, now more than ever, we need to be there for the people who keep it running, day in, day out.” Ben also launched its first training service last year, which offers support and guidance specifically around mental health and well- being. The programme equips both managers and employees with new skills to help them deal with difficult issues, with training for managers and masterclasses for employees. “We are here for employers too,” added Zara, “and our mental health training in the workplace has proven really popular and effective. At Ben, we are well placed to advise automotive employers of the potential issues currently facing their employees so they can offer the relevant support.” So far, Ben has trained around 2,500 people in the industry around their mental health and wellbeing. For more information visit http://ben.org.uk #TeamTextar looking for ‘teammates’ As the UK looks forward to this summer’s major sporting event, TMD Friction is putting together an international “Team Textar,” and participants can win prizes as well as have fun. At www.teamtextar.com participants create their own player card. All they need to do is upload an image of themselves or snap one directly with the selfie function. 11 winners will be chosen through a lottery and they will form the final line-up of “Team Textar.“ They will receive ones of the 11 main prizes such as a Playstation 4 Pro VR Bundle, an iPad Pro, a Weber Genesis II Grill or a GoPro Hero 6. Also, 111 small Textar footballs will be raffled off among all the participants. Those who share their player card with the hashtag #TeamTextar on one of their social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter will also have the chance to win one of 11 BeatsX headphones. The promotion is open until 15 July 2018. NGK Spark Plug buys into TecAlliance NGK Spark Plug has become a shareholder of TecAlliance. Damien Germès, Senior Vice President EMEA at NGK Spark Plug Europe GmbH commented: “To become a shareholder of TecAlliance is a strategic decision and investment for NGK Spark Plug. As a shareholder we are now ideally placed to support TecAlliance in delivering future digital excellence to the aftermarket.” Jürgen Buchert, Managing Director of TecAlliance added: “We are pleased to welcome as a new shareholder such an important player from the field of vehicle electronics. This is another step towards our continuous goal to optimise and deepen the quality of our data and tailor-made solutions for a digital automotive aftermarket.” Ben Charity focuses on stress Trico employees reach 25 years Seven employees at TRICO HQ in Pontypool were recently presented with engraved watches and a Dartington Crystal Clock by Managing Director Adam Richards for their 25 year’s service. Christine Williams worked in the Customer Services Department for 11 years before moving to the Finance Department as the Account Purchase Ledger. Phil Evans began in customer services before being promoted to Applications Engineer in 1995. Nigel Bevan joined as Quality Engineer, eventually progressing to Senior Quality Engineer. Peter Forey started off in the warehouse and for the last 11 years he has been Supervisor of the packaging department. Ian O’Neill has worked for the OE side of TRICO for the past seventeen years as OE Director. Ian Beckett has worked in the warehouse for 25 years, and for the past 10 years has been the Warehouse Supervisor. Brian Fernquest has been a Warehouse Operator for 25 years.