As the number of British citizens who have died or are missing as a result of the Asian tsunami increases, the chance that individuals connected to our industries have been affected by this tragedy also rises. BEN, the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, is on hand to offer practical help, advice and support to anyone who has been affected by the disaster.

Gerard Barclay, BEN’s Chief Executive commented: "Along with the rest of world, all of us here at BEN were overwhelmed by the devastation caused by the tsunami. Whilst BEN is not an aid agency and doesn’t have the resources and expertise to have a direct impact on the disaster in Asia, we will endeavour to support any families from our industries who need our help."

BEN is the motor and allied trades benevolent fund for employees past and present (and their dependants) from the motor, cycle, motorcycle, commercial vehicle and agricultural engineering industries plus all associated trades, organisations and industries. Founded in 1905, the fund provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year, in addition to operating four residential homes in the UK and offering day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.