Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice 20 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2025 Ben — the champion of automotive champions The Ben Award has become a vital component and coveted prize in our TopTech, Top Garage & Top Apprentice competitions The Ben Award has become an integral part of Aftermarket’s TopTech/Top Garage competition since it was introduced in 2023. This award has been shaped and judged by Ben, the automotive industry charity, and focuses on health and wellbeing in the aftermarket sector. With over 99% of automotive employees affected by a health and wellbeing issue, it’s never been more important to tackle this topic. The recognition of workplace health and wellbeing has also become increasingly vital as businesses strive to be successful in our everchanging and competitive industry. Staff are undoubtedly any business’s most important asset and employers not only have a moral and legal duty to look after them, but it also makes good business sense. Supporting staff with their health and wellbeing can lead to increased employee productivity and engagement, reduced absenteeism/ presenteeism, higher morale, better decision-making, and a positive company culture. This then positively impacts a business’s bottom line by minimising costs and enhancing overall business performance. Objectives of the Ben Award The award recognises independent garages in the aftermarket who are committed to the overall health, safety, and wellbeing of their teams. It shines a spotlight on automotive employers who go above and beyond to create a positive, supportive and inclusive work environment for employees to thrive in, as well as encouraging others to raise their standards in this area. The award focuses on the management of health and wellbeing within the workplace, ensuring that businesses create an atmosphere where employees feel valued, safe, and mentally and physically supported. It’s more than just a recognition of compliance with health and safety regulations — this award acknowledges employers who show real commitment to improving their workplace culture and prioritising the wellbeing of their staff. Behind the scenes: judging Award entries are assessed through Ben’s Health and Wellbeing Assessment Framework, which provides a comprehensive evaluation of a business’s practices and culture regarding employee health and wellbeing. The framework focuses on how a business’s culture and policies support employee wellbeing, including mental and physical health, and ensures they meet legal requirements, as well as nurturing an environment that promotes the long-term success and happiness of their employees. The process behind judging the entries for the Ben Award is thorough and undertaken by Ellen Plumer, head of awareness & experience at Ben; Julie Hayes, specialist services lead at Ben and Mark Darvill, managing director of Hillclimb Garage. Initially, garages are required to undertake a selfassessment, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and ensure they are meeting the required standards for employee health and wellbeing. Once the self-assessment is completed, businesses that make it through to the Top Garage final are invited to participate in a detailed discussion with Ellen and Mark. This panel evaluates their responses to the selfassessment and engages with them about the steps they have taken to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff. Ellen said: “We’re delighted to be running the Ben Award with Aftermarket for a third year. We’re looking forward to hearing all about the important work that businesses have been doing to support the health and wellbeing of their teams.” Ross Maitland, owner of 2024 award winner Maitland Motors said: “It does push us to keep improving for our staff.” To enter for the Ben Award and all categories, see facing page. Ellen Plumer
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