Fraikin has entered into a partnership with automotive industry charity BEN which will see the company donate £1 for every new rental agreement it opens, effective from 1 August 2009. The initiative marks the first such scheme to be operated by a commercial vehicle rental company, with Fraikin typically opening more than 12,000 rental agreements per year.
The deal will see Fraikin's 1,200-strong daily rental fleet, which ranges from 3.5 tonne panel vans to 44 tonne tractor units, become an important new source of income for the charity - with every vehicle rental having a direct charitable benefit.
Commenting on the agreement, John Ball, Chairman and Managing Director of Fraikin, says: "We wanted to develop a close relationship with a charity that the whole company could support and felt BEN was an extremely worthy cause with the potential to benefit our own employees and others working within our sector in the years to come.
"In the same way that many car manufacturers make a donation to BEN for every new vehicle sold, by linking our donations directly to the performance of our rental business we can provide BEN with regular financial support. It also creates an added incentive for both our rental staff and for customers choosing to hire vehicles from us," he adds.
David Main, Chief Executive of BEN, adds: "Commercial participation schemes have grown in popularity during recent years as they offer multiple benefits for the company, its staff and the charity, as well as making a valuable contribution to society. We plan to use the structure of this agreement with Fraikin as a pilot for the commercial vehicle fleet services industry and hope to engage with other suppliers over the coming months."
Fraikin's £1 donation will apply to all new rental agreements opened at any of its 12 rental depots around the UK, or by its Central Rental team which manage national rental deals. The £1 donation is applicable to all rentals, from a one day hire of a small van to a year long contract for the supply of a heavy truck.
In addition to supporting BEN with a regular monthly donation, Fraikin is also promoting the opportunity for its staff to carry out voluntary work at BEN's four residential centres across the UK, and at its day care centre located close to Fraikin's headquarters in Coventry.
"Any opportunities from members of the Fraikin team to help with maintaining and further improving the fabric of our buildings will be greatly appreciated. From gardening to decorating, we are always hugely appreciative of our supporters' staff volunteering their services," adds Main.
BEN was founded in 1905 by Arthur Wilson (1858-1945) - a leading advertising agent in the motor and cycle industries - to provide care and support for employees and their dependants in times of need. Today the charity offers financial, emotional and practical help and support to more than 15,000 men, women and children who have a connection with the automotive sector.