Vertu in the Community

As we grow our trading business we are expanding the scope of our involvement in the Community as part of our wider corporate and social responsibility strategy. The projects we have chosen to support reflect the diversity and depth within our businesses and our desire to be an active part of the communities we serve.

Charity Support and Partnership

BEN

BEN (Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund) is the automotive industry charity, providing care and support to employees and their dependants in times of need.

BEN offer practical, emotional and financial support to anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry, as well as their dependents. BEN are currently providing assistance to more than 15,000 people for a wide range of issues and have actively helped current and former colleagues of the Vertu Group and their dependants.

Vertu is proud to be a partner of BEN. In 2010 Vertu will donate £1 to BEN for every new retail vehicle sold. This support is worth in the region of £15K per annum. We also encourage our colleagues to donate monthly via payroll giving and have a number of BEN gold supporters within the Group.

Children in Need

In October 2009 Vertu became an official partner of Children in Need. All of the trading businesses including Head Office participated in a variety of fund raising activities on November 20th. All colleagues are encouraged to take part, with the main theme of the day being fun for both customers and colleagues. The Company matched the first £500 raised at every dealership with our fundraising total reaching £31.5K. 2009 was the first year we supported Children in Need and we will continue to make this an annual event.

Dunston Silver Band

Bristol Street Motors are proud to sponsor Dunston Silver Band. This brass band is based in the area of Dunston, Gateshead in the North East of England and is open to all age ranges, abilities and backgrounds. The band regularly travel to take part in regional and national band competitions such as the National Mineworker's Open Championship, and The North of England Regional Championships , finishing in 3rd place in 2008.

Dunston Silver Band originally known as Dunston Temperance Band has a colourful history which can be traced back as early as 1902. Sometime between 1902 and 1913 the band changed its name to Dunston Silver Band. In 1913 the Band performed at the world famous Crystal Palace. This community band is involved in local schools and reflects the rich industrial heritage of the North East. Dunston is overlooked from across the river by the Group’s Vauxhall dealership on Scotswood Road.

View our Corporate & Social Responsibility Strategy >>>