The Garage 351

AUTOMECHANIKA
Unique auction at
Automechanika
to fundraise for Ben
A truly unique 1993 Rover 216 Honda cabriolet
which made it to Monaco and back in 5 days
last year is being auctioned at Automechanika
Birmingham on 7th June to fundraise for Ben,
the automotive industry charity. A rare classic,
there are just 207 of these cars left on the road.
Truly one of a kind, the car was bought, lovingly restored and
decal’d by Louise Baker and Rachel Murray and travelled over 1,500
miles as part of renowned car rally challenge, Bangers4Ben, which
runs annually to fundraise for the charity. The car was driven by
Louise and Rachel to Monaco via the south of France coast road
and through the Alps last October. The well-travelled Rover is now
returning to its home in the Midlands to be sold and raise further
funds for Ben.
Focus on next generation
with dedicated Autotech
Academy student
programme
On day three of the trade event, Automechanika Birmingham and
Autotech Academy will be hosting a series of sessions aimed at
inspiring and educating students to help arm them with the skills
and knowledge they need for the future.
Gavin White from Autotech Academy, part of Autotech Group, will
be opening the session with a welcome address. Followed by a
presentation of success stories from other professionals on how
they got into the industry and ways to ensure a long and thriving
career.
Next up will be a structured tour of the exhibition, involving a
skills competition via a treasure hunt, with lots of prizes up for
grabs. There will also be a networking lunch to offer students the
opportunity to engage with other like-minded peers and meet
industry employers.
The last session of the day will be focusing on the technology
of the future where the students can find out about the latest
trends, technologies and innovations in the sector.
Alex Jones, marketing director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers
of Automechanika Birmingham, comments: “A key focus for us
is to take a proactive approach in helping to bridge the ongoing
skills gap and train the future specialists of the industry.
“This year we are encouraging first-year, second-year and thirdyear
students to attend our event in June and embrace the many
opportunities available to them. And we’re delighted to offer
our student programme with Autotech Academy to give them a
Visit Automechanika and take part!
Visit the Ben team at Automechanika, stand F114 on 7th June, and
take part in the auction for your chance to win the car. Book a free
ticket to the event here.
Louise Baker, Company Director of Womanic Ltd, said: “Not many
people know, but automotive can be a stressful profession. Ben is
there for anyone in the industry who are struggling with their health
and wellbeing - whether that’s mentally, financially or physically.
So come along to the Ben stand at Automechanika and have your
chance to take this one-of-a-kind car home!”
Ellen Plumer, Head of Marketing & Outreach at Ben, said: “We
can’t thank Louise and Rachel enough for all their hard work
fundraising for Ben with this brilliant banger. We hope to see many
of our automotive family there at our Automechanika stand and
we’re looking forward to seeing who takes the car home!”
If you’re unable to attend Automechanika, you can still donate to
show your support for Ben: giving.ben.org.uk/pf/lou-rach-1eb19
helping hand for a successful career in the sector.”
Gavin White, CEO, Autotech Group comments: “It is vital that we,
as an industry, collaborate to demonstrate the full breadth of
opportunities a career within the automotive sector can yield to
the next generation.
“Technology has transformed mobility, and the progress of
the industry, and the potential careers within it, needs to be
conveyed and amplified, as the competition to attract and
retain talent is fierce. It is incredibly disconcerting to hear that
young potential talent – students who have recently achieved an
automotive qualification – are finding work in other industries,
including retail and hospitality, because they are struggling to
secure an automotive position.”
White adds: “This is why we created Autotech Academy. We are
delighted to be partnering with Automechanika Birmingham to
create a dedicated student day that will demonstrate the range of
automotive roles available and communicate how a successful and
fulfilling career within the automotive industry can be achieved.”
22 THE GARAGE
15-22, Automechanika Edit.indd 6 30/05/2023 12:58