Revhead Ramblings: The Enemy on the Road

Cars are many things to us. They transport families, pick the shopping up and make airport runs; our lives are in our cars.

They also do more than this though, maybe not for everyone, but for those who like their cars and like driving, cars have a deeper sense of purpose.

Obviously, the morning commute or trip to the gym isn’t going to ignite the senses, but with the right road, everything can change. You transcend from normal space and time, the only thing that matters is physics and the road ahead. Without trying to sound too spiritual, this is when you become truly zen; nothing else matters, just you, the car and the road.

Driving Pleasure

Our roads are full and most people who drive, drive only to get from A to B. Most people don’t care for the art of driving or driving for pleasure. That’s fair enough, I’ve explained time after time to friends and family about driving pleasure yet many still don’t understand it and I’m over it; just.

People are more than happy to travel at the posted speed limit, or just below in certain cases, and that’s fine. What isn’t fine is when you overtake these drivers and your ears are filled with a barrage of horns.

Car Conga

A rising number of cars on the road is causing another issue too; trains. Not those that go on tracks, they’re ok unless I’m waiting at a level crossing. No, the trains I’m referring to are the line of idiots sat at 45 in a 60.

A convoy of 5 or 6 cars acting as a rolling road block to any of us wanting to get anywhere before the sun goes down. They’re skilful though, they’ve somehow developed a sixth sense for maintaining a gap just smaller than your car so staged overtaking is impossible.

The Real Dangers of The Road

I’m sure if they ever got the chance to speak to us after being overtaken, they’d explain that we’re dangerous, inconsiderate and the reason their insurance premiums are rising year after year. In reality, it’s the opposite that’s true.

They’re the ones who drive past horses with their engines screaming, they’re the ones who fly past schools and navigate villages at 43mph while you stick to 30mph just in case a young sprog or old dear decide to pop out from behind a parked car.

Enjoy Yourself When You Can

Our roads are congested and full of idiots, this makes it all the more necessary to enjoy driving when you can. It may only be 10 minutes in an hour-long journey, but if the road is empty, your right foot should be heavy and your hands tight on the wheel!

When the coppers have gone for coffee and donuts and the idiots have gone shopping for Christmas paraphernalia at the garden centre – in September.

Do You Know Where Your Dealership’s Leads are Coming From?

Organising Email Inbox
Have you ever wondered whether all the time and money you dedicate to generating leads for your car dealership is actually paying off?

You may be investing in SEO, advertising, social media marketing and various other tactics to bring in leads, which is great, but to be sure that it is worth the cost and effort you need to know where your leads are coming from.

Where do Your Leads Come From?

For most car dealers, your leads may come from a number of the following sources:

  • Search Network
  • Website
  • Ad portals
  • Social Media
  • Referrals
  • Walk Ins
  • Phone Calls
  • Website Live Chat
  • Online Retailing Platform

With so many potential lead sources, you may find it difficult to stay on top of where each enquiry has come from and it is not always easy to identify a lead’s origin.

Why is Lead Source Tracking Important?

Your dealership may use multiple advertising portals, but they may not all bring success. If you have a clear, regular breakdown of how many leads your dealership is getting from each source, you may find that you are not getting enough enquiries from one provider for the amount you are paying.

On the other hand, you may find that you have had a boost in website leads since you have initiated a PPC campaign and you may decide it would be beneficial to invest more in this form of advertising.

Different forms of lead generation will work for different dealerships, and this will change constantly, so the only way to figure out what is currently working for your dealership so that you know how to best allocate your budget, is to track leads.

Tracking Leads with Click DMS

With Click DMS you will be able to record your enquiries in one place and whenever you would like to review them, you can bring up a list at the click of a button. Our system shows you how many leads you have had in total and where each lead has come from.

Click Dealer’s DMS doesn’t just help you see where your leads are coming from, but also how valuable each source is. You can see how many leads have converted into sales, how much the customer spent and your sales margins.

If you want more detail, you can click into each source and see the customer’s details, the date of enquiry, vehicle details and the customer’s enquiry history.

Tracking SEO and PPC Leads

SEO and PPC leads are slightly harder to track, because they will come through your website, along with other traffic. At Click Dealer, we are transparent and give our dealers who have websites with us access to analytics tools. Google Analytics will give you all the data you need to separate your search engine marketing leads.

If you log into your Analytics account, click ‘Acquisition’, then ‘All Traffic’ and ‘Channels’ in the sidebar, you will see a list, showing you where your web traffic is coming from. Here are the main channels:

  • Organic Search – users clicking unpaid search engine results (SEO)
  • Paid Search – users clicking paid search engine results (PPC advertising)
  • Display – users clicking display adverts
  • Direct – users entering your website URL directly into the address bar
  • Referral – users clicking a link on another site which directs them to your site
  • Social – users clicking on a social media link which directs them to your site
  • Email – users clicking a link in an email

Google Analytics will show you how many users and website visits you have gained from each channel within a certain time period, also showing what percentage of your total users and visits this represents. You can also set up goals to measure conversions with Google Analytics.

If our in-house SEM team manages your SEO and PPC, we will do this for you and provide a monthly report including leads gained via these marketing methods.

To find out more about how Click Dealer can help you with Lead Source Tracking, get in touch via [email protected] or 01782 454354. Alternatively, you can send us a message through our contact page. 

Positive Forecasts for Used Car Values in the Remainder of 2018

The first three quarters of the year has had a positive effect on the used car market and according to Cap Hpi, the used market is set to retain this pattern as we face the fourth and final quarter of 2018.

Regardless of the impact of the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) Cap Hpi is predicting a ‘relatively strong’ Q4 for used car values.

Head of Current Valuations of Cap Hpi, Derren Martin said that several automakers were likely to register lower volumes than normal in September, adding that this could stretch into the remaining quarter of the year and the new year, resulting in a positive impact on values.

“With fewer part-exchanges entering the market from this reduction, as some fleets extend their contracts by a few months, this could be good news for used car values beyond the immediate future.

“With demand unlikely to fall below where is seasonally is in the final four months of the year and even the potential for new car customers to be converted into late-plate used offerings.”

Though Martin acknowledged that an accurate forecast was difficult because of the uncertain impact the WLTP will have on the market, he said: “However, it is our view that the final months of the year will be relatively strong for used car values.”

Effects of the First Three Quarters of 2018

Cap said that the used car market remained solid through August and overall values dropped by a mere 0.3% for diesel and petrol cars of three years with 60,000 miles on record.

Sales of diesel cars on the used car market had risen during the first three quarters of the year, while on the new market they had significantly dropped.

However, Cap confirmed that diesel vehicles had retained their appeal with trade buyers as larger vehicles performed well during the first half of the year.

City cars did not perform as well as the average vehicle during August this year. Many of them had been strong throughout the year, but prices are now starting to weaken.

To find out more about how Click Dealer can help your dealership make the rest of 2018 successful, get in touch via [email protected] or 01782 454354. Alternatively, you can send us a message through our contact page. 

Is Your Car Dealership WLTP Ready?

On the 1st of September, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is due to take effect, and many car dealers are still unaware of exactly what it is or how it is going to impact their vehicle sales.

A recent sentiment survey conducted by Manheim revealed that 14% of dealers do not know what WLTP is, despite its implementation being imminent.

Philip Nothard, Head of External Relations for Manheim’s parent company, Cox Automotive, has said “As we get ever closer to WLTP being implemented, having one in ten dealers admitting to not knowing what WLTP is, frankly is quite shocking.

“When this new revelation is added to our previous dealer sentiment survey finding that a third of dealers were not aware of when WLTP comes into force, it demonstrates in quite stark terms the amount of confusion and ambiguity that still exists around WLTP.

“These dealer concerns along with the lack of awareness and uncertainty that still exists should be deeply concerning to the industry as WLTP gets closer to being implemented.”

What Is WLTP?

For anyone still in the dark about it, WLTP is going to replace NEDC tests. The reason for this is that it has come to light that fuel economy and emissions figures produced by the current testing methods are not an accurate representation and with WLTP, the numbers will be more realistic.

What Does This Mean?

Unfortunately, this means that the CO2 emissions produced by vehicles have been underestimated and figures are going to rise by about 10% on average. From the 1st of September 2018, existing models on sale will need to be retested under the new criteria.

How Will This Affect Your Dealership?

The change to WLTP testing is likely to affect the popularity of certain vehicles, as drivers are going to want to avoid significant CO2 and BIK surges. You may therefore want to rethink your stock choices and keep an eye on trends in consumer behaviour after the WLTP deadline.

More than half of dealers have pre-registered stock this month in the hopes of avoiding issues caused by the change and many have been attempting to shift as much stock as possible before the deadline.

If you would like to find out more about how Click Dealer can help you manage stock, get in touch today on 01782 478220, or by emailing [email protected], or via our contact page.

Click Dealer’s Top Five Part Exchange Tips for Car Dealers

When it comes to part exchanges, customers will always be wary of whether or not they are getting a good deal, so you need to instil confidence in them, while making sure there is plenty in it for you.

In order to make sure that there is enough profit in a part exchange deal, your staff will need to know a vehicle’s resale value, so that they know how much to offer customers.

Here are five tips for part exchanges that will help to make the process efficient and satisfactory for both you and your customers.

  1. Make a Good First Impression

Often, when a customer wants to arrange a part exchange deal, their first interaction with your dealership will be via your website. Whether you have a valuation form, where individuals can apply for a quote, or a system like ClickEngage™, which allows them to receive an instant offer based on parameters pre-set by you, the process needs to be simple and straightforward.

  1. Be Prepared

When customers come into your dealership looking to arrange a part-exchange deal, chances are, they’ll come prepared. Determined to get a good price, they will usually try to do a bit of research. This means your sales team need to know what they’re talking about, so arm them with data!

Trade guides, retail equivalents, competitors’ prices, private ads; keeping a close eye on all of the above will not only ensure you make a profit, but it will present your team as experts, so customers will be more willing to put their faith in you.

  1. Conduct Vehicle Assessments with Your Customers

If possible, try to carry out your assessment of a customer’s vehicle while they are there. You can glean more information about the car’s condition, and it also shows the current owner everything you are factoring into your valuation, so they can be confident that it is an accurate offer, rather than a ball-park estimation.

  1. Take Photos

It is a good idea to take pictures as soon as possible to help you spot any areas of the vehicle where work is needed. It also means you can get it on your website and start advertising straight away.

  1. Be Consistent

Consistency throughout your work will make your car dealership look professional. To achieve consistency, your staff need to receive the same training. Even if you have hired someone with years of experience with part exchanges, make sure that they understand how you do things at your dealership.

To find out more about how Click Dealer’s digital solutions can help your car dealership manage part exchange leads, get in touch today on 01782 478220, or by emailing [email protected], or via our contact page.

Reed Autos’ Sam Walker Wins Dealer Principal Of The Year – Motor Trader Awards 2018

Last month, Sam Walker of Reed Autos won the coveted Dealer Principal of the Year title at the Motor Trader Awards 2018.

Reed Autos has an extensive range of used vehicles on offer in Foxton, Cambridge. The dealership is a specialist in used cars and vans and takes pride in its team’s knowledge of the automotive industry. To celebrate their latest achievement, myself and James Angelsea visited Reed to find out the secret to Sam’s success.

Joe: “So Sam, firstly, congratulations on the award, did you have a good night? I can imagine there were a few thick heads in the morning?”

Sam: “Yeah absolutely, we had the England game before, obviously that was a loss, but this made up for it. The whole evening as a whole was great. The Motor Trader team put on a fantastic event and I think the Reed Autos lot definitely made the most of it.”

James: “How many of you went down?”

Sam: “We booked a table for 12 of us. Some people had only just recently started with us and some people have been with us forever, so it was nice for the majority of the team to go to an event together.”

Joe: “Yeah, I can imagine there was a real feel good factor to it?”

Sam: “Definitely. There were broken heads the next day mind, we didn’t sell many cars that day.”

*All laugh*

Joe: “What is it that you think made you stand out from your competitors?”

Sam: “I think probably age comes down to it slightly, I think I’m probably one of the youngest people in the motor trade to be not necessarily running a business but running a business on this scale.”

James: “How old are you Sam if you don’t mind me asking?”

Sam: “I’m 29.”

James: “29! Easy paper round then?!” 

Sam: “Ha ha, funnily enough my Dad used to have a paper business so I did used to have a paper round.”

Joe: “So when you say it’s your age that makes you stand out, why is this?”

Sam: “I think obviously, the business stood out because when some of the guys from Motor Trader came in and met the team, saw the facilities and what we do, I think that did shine through but also I think they were impressed that a young team is doing so well.

“In this kind of industry, especially people higher up, they’ve normally been doing this 20 – 30 years and worked their way up. Which I have done, I’ve just done it much faster. I’ve worked as a Valeter and I’ve worked as Sales Manager, I’ve done most of the jobs but I’ve progressed very quickly.”

Joe: “For me, this is the first time I’ve ever been here and I said to James when I walked in that the atmosphere in the office is fantastic.”

James: “There’s definitely a buzz about the place and I think that’s refreshing for your customers to walk into.”

Sam: “Yeah I totally agree, I think if you read a lot of our reviews on the internet, you see customers say things like how great the salesperson was, how happy and fun the place is. That’s not just the customer experience though, it’s the office atmosphere full stop.

“Even when we are working it’s just continuous fun, but hard work. They’re a young team, all came out of school and not a lot of them have gone to university. I want them to have decent money and I want them to have fun while they’re doing it. I think the customer can see that when they come in.”

Joe: “Great stuff. Do you think Click Dealer’s software played a part in the winning the award at all, if so how?”

Sam: “Yeah massively, Click’s really, really good, obviously. Not to mention any names but our previous providers were pretty rubbish.

“Click is quick, everyone knows how to use it, the things that we like is how well you link with Auto Trader from our website, previously we were uploading things to the Auto Trader system and then filtering that to our website or onto other systems but now we can upload to click and it’ll automatically feed to everywhere else we need it to.

“I know that other companies do that as well but I don’t think they do it as well as you do, I think other things like the attention grabbers going over. Pippa is the main person who dealt with us initially and she seems like she’s on the ball and the company is definitely going in the right direction.”

Joe: “Do you have plans to use your award as a platform to propel your business to a greater height, if so, how?”

Sam: “Yeah, massively! It’s already on our website, saying ‘Motor Trader Industry Winner’.

“All of our marketing, it says it, and it’s how we’re going to promote our business and bring customers around to enquire about a car. First of all; they like the car and then they check the dealership out.

“If you were going to read that this dealer is multi-award winning and has just won an award, then it obviously increases the chances of them buying.

“Plus, with companies like yourself, it’s nice for us to link together and push it for the both of us.”

Joe: “Yeah definitely. So, it’s sort of a similar question but, how much of an effect has winning the award had on your business so far?

Sam: “I want to say massive but I don’t think the effect has been massive just yet.”

James: “It’s great for the mindset though, isn’t it?”

Sam: “Yeah, every year we’ll want to enter something. But, I really would have loved to win Sales Team which we were highly commended for – that’s the one I wanted to win because these fellas are great.

“My award is a little bit on me, but it’s coming in and seeing all of us and everything we do, so I can only put it down to me to a certain extent. Obviously, it feels good, though.”

Joe: “Where do you see the future of technology going for dealerships?”

Sam: “Online, which you guys are obviously at the forefront of. I think it will certainly be an element of customers coming into dealerships to test drive and look at cars, but there is going to be quite a big proportion of customers who purchase just cars sold on the internet.

“I can’t remember where I have read it recently, but some survey found that 30 per cent of consumers aged between some certain bracket would buy a used car online and have it delivered to their house. So, I think there’ll be a massive increase! But yeah, buying a car online with more things like finance online as well and with less of the paper stuff; most companies pretty much do that already, but pretty much just across the board.”

Joe: “I think with the youth, like myself, as long as the business has got a lot of transparency, all they want is convenience, don’t they? I bought my car off Carwow, and yeah fair enough it was a new car, but I think that me purchasing the car online shows the shift in mindset from the younger generation.”

Sam: “Yeah 100%, but you also have to be very good in the background as well, sending videos of cars and lots of photos. Also, those cars have to be prepped to a really high standard because as soon as you do deliver one and it has got a scratch on it or something, then they could say, ‘’Well my car has been delivered and it has got a scratch on it’’, and then it falls down to you.”

Joe: “Couldn’t agree more. As an award-winning dealer, how important do you think integration is for dealerships?”

Sam: “I think it’s really important. I like the fact that we can advertise our cars on it, invoice off of it… There’s not a lot of systems that do everything, and not only that with Click, Click actually does the workshop side of it. Some companies only do the sales side and some only do the workshop. You can run a whole business from it so it does do the job!”

Joe: “Last question then, What are your plans for the next 2-3 years?”

Sam: “I can’t give specifics, but we’re going to grow probably double or triple the size we are now in a very short period of time. We’ll be growing, getting more stock and more staff etc. We’re pretty well stocked up with staff at the moment in anticipation of our growth.”

Fantastic. Well Sam, thanks for letting us visit and we really appreciate you taking some time out of your day to ask you some questions. You really have got a brilliant team there and we wish you all the best for the future.

J Pod. 

Revhead Ramblings: Do our cars feature too much technology

Scrolling through Twitter the other day, I saw a promoted post. It was for a phone, not a Samsung or iPhone, this was for a phone reminiscent of the early noughties technology.

No touchscreen, no internet and no camera. Simply the ability to call and text. It’s supposedly there to give us only the most basic forms of communication and to encourage more time absorbing the world and speaking to people face to face.

Back to Basics

These back to basic phones seem like a good idea in fairness, I’m guilty of spending far too much time on my phone, from social media to shopping. Technology distracts us massively and makes us less productive as a result, with our phones being stripped of unnecessary functions, could our cars be next? With each new model we’re greeted with more and more technology, from fancy lights to endless customisable displays; how much do we really need it all though?

Infotainment Screens

We were banned from using phones whilst driving because they were too distracting, yet Apple CarPlay is an option on most new cars that offers the same features we’d banned? Making a move to touchscreen infotainment systems is convenient, however when all of our cars functions are controlled via one screen, tapping through menu after menu to change the fan speed is a recipe for disaster!

Distracting Safety Systems

Obviously staring at a screen is distracting and makes us less attentive to the road, but what about the systems we don’t see? The likes of automatic braking and lane keep assist come as standard on a large proportion of cars now, these features can prevent potentially fatal accidents but are they making us worse drivers?

By knowing these systems are there, we let our guard down on the road, taking more risks and paying less attention. The issue is, these systems aren’t fool proof, they’re there to aid drivers, not do it for them.

Is No Technology The Answer?

Could completely ridding our cars of technology be the answer then? When you look at someone driving a Caterham, I doubt your first thought is ‘I bet they wish they had memory seats’ instead you’ll be green with envy as they fly past you with a grin reaching ear to ear.

Obviously not every car can be thrashed like a Caterham and as such warrant comfortable extras like heated seats and automatic wipers, but finding a balance is key, driver involvement is crucial, not only for safety reasons but also to keep the thrill of driving alive.

DMS Provider of the Year 2018 – Click Dealer

As dealerships have become more digitally savvy, back office systems for accounts and general dealership management have become the norm. The problem with that is these systems don’t share data or integrate with each other thus forcing dealers to use multiple software packages and suffer from unnecessary levels of inefficiency.

Click Dealer’s aim from the moment its DMS was born in 1999 has been to consign disparate systems to the history books and give dealers an all-encompassing one stop shop from which to run their businesses. Unlike a generic back-office system, ClickDMS can tell dealers exactly how they are performing, not just in terms of stock management but in all facets of their company.

DMS Provider of the Year 2018

The DMS Provider of the Year has created an end-to-end solution which not only improves dealership performance but also gives them access to better data and streamlined processes to save them valuable time and money.

With a full suite of insightful reports available at the push of a button Click Dealer is able to analyse dealer’s data and provide valuable insights, which have been configured from their KPIs. From stock analysis, team performance and commission calculators to FCA compliant reports, Click Dealer’s innovative system goes the whole nine yards for its dealers and more.

Whilst Click Dealer’s DMS can’t replicate every single piece of functionality from the vast array of solutions on the market, the digital dealership experts use the latest technologies available to allow third party platforms to talk to its DMS, so that dealers can manage their business in one place.

Integration is King

Whether it be chat integrations on enquires, or Xero for accounts, Click Dealer has removed the need for multiple disparate systems and double data entry. The reporting and analytical abilities within ClickDMS are vast, dealers can save time by creating one advert with multimedia options, using video and image editing facilities – then set up automatic feeds to all major portals. They can also increase their professionalism with digital invoicing, document repositories and silent salesmen functionality.

Having been carefully honed and perfected over almost 20 years in the automotive sector, ClickDMS enables dealers to be accurate with VAT analysis, understand where their money is with debtor and creditor reports, stay consistent and in control with PDI prep and after-sales processes, as well as providing the ability to manage stocking plans with ease.

As a cloud based system, ClickDMS can give busy dealers peace of mind wherever they are in the world. The system boasts ultra-tight security protocols and advanced server infrastructures, to ensure data compliance and privacy are taken care of. Not to mention permissions controls, unlimited user log-ons and personalised menu options to give varying levels of control and visibility to different tiers of staff.

The Future of ClickDMS

In 2018 and beyond Click Dealer will be upgrading ClickDMS to include: a new advanced order screen, streamlined finance presentation integrated with its showroom solution, open API integration, and the system is already HMRC compliant in preparation for its dealers to utilise VAT submissions online ahead of the important changes next April.

What The Experts Have Said

Car Dealer Magazine Founder, James Baggott said of ClickDMS: “Click Dealer were the winner of our Dealer Management System of the Year Award. They’ve got more than 15 years’ experience in the automotive software market but at its core is DMS.

“They’re the market leaders and have a one-stop platform for enabling dealers to manage their workload and they link seamlessly with leading classified platforms.

“Our survey respondents said that ClickDMS is an easy to use system, from a company that is constantly striving to be the best, a pro-active company, who are always innovating.”

Don’t get bogged down with dozens of disparate software packages! Manage your business using one system with Click Dealer, the performance partners for dealerships.

For more information on the DMS provider of the Year and ClickDMS, contact Click Dealer today on 01782 904 715, by emailing [email protected], or via our contact page.

Revhead Ramblings: Saxton 4X4 Visit: Alex’s Top 5 Cars!

Despite studying their website before my visit, I wasn’t quite prepared for the range and quality of vehicles I’d be presented with at Saxton 4X4’s Chelmsford based showroom.

It’s one thing writing about these cars, but to see and hear them in person is a different experience entirely.  With over 600 vehicles in stock, it’s taken until now to finally compile my top five cars from the day.

Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spider

‘Sensational. Ferrari at its best, and the only road car I’ve ever driven whose electronic chassis aids behave as if they were pulled from a contemporary racing car.’ A snippet from Autocar’s review of the beast from Maranello. This really is a race car for the road, the gearbox delivers shifts as fast as Michael Schumacher’s 2004 F1 car! To look at, the car is a thing of beauty; carbon fibre adorns nearly every surface, a hint to its weight saving nature.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

This car is massive. Absolutely huge. The standard Phantom is half a metre longer than even the longest Mercedes S-Class. So, from the outset, it’s clear that this isn’t a car designed with any fear – or even vague acknowledgement – of the concept of excess. Despite the huge strides Audi, Mercedes and even Bentley have taken in the executive saloon market, they come nowhere near the standard that the Phantom sets.

 Aston Martin DBS Volante

It was unclear at the time of release what the DBS could rival, it was far beyond any Porsche but also fell behind the offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini. This car isn’t made for twisting mountain passes or tight B-roads; this is the faithful companion for fast cross-country journeys. A sonorous V12 and luxurious cabin make this car one of the best partners for any long trip.

Audi RS6

I have a huge soft spot for the fast estate, there’s something about its flared wheel arches and children head sized exhausts that appeal to me. It has supercar baiting speed but the ability to take a family of 5 and all of their luggage anywhere in the country. It really is the ultimate car!

Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition

The Defender is outclassed by nearly every modern off-roader. It’s slow, noisy and lacks the electronic nannies we’ve grown accustomed to. However, there’s a charm surrounding it that had us begging for more once production ceased. The Heritage, Adventure and Autobiography editions are guaranteed future classics and a great homage to the original car.

 

This list could have gone on for far, far longer. The range and quality of stock on show is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. To get up close with some of the best cars on the market isn’t an everyday occurrence and for that I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Saxton and in particular Ben Pentey, without his presence on social media this wouldn’t have been possible.

Team Click to Take Part in Hats On 4 Ben on World Mental Health Day!

Click Dealer has signed up to take part in the 2018 Hats On 4 Ben charity fundraising event, which will take place on World Mental Health Day. The Clickers have been invited to show up on Wednesday 10th October flaunting their favourite hats.
What is Ben?

Charity organisation, Ben, is open from 8am until 8pm, offering free and confidential support to people who have worked or are currently working within the automotive industry and are experiencing difficulties. Offering tailored, holistic support, Ben focuses on the four main pillars of a person’s well-being and health: physical, mental, financial and social.

Ben understands that, from time to time, your problems may try to get the better of you and it may be hard for you to find your feet during a tough time. Mental health issues typically impact the life of 1 in 4 individuals every year, and while you may never need Ben’s free and confidential support, a colleague, friend or relative might.

To help make sure that those brave enough to reach out for help get the support the need and very much deserve, Ben hosts a variety of fundraisers including Hats On 4 Ben.

Hats On 4 Ben is an annual charity fundraiser for people working within the automotive industry to show their support for colleagues, friends and relatives who have previously suffered or are currently suffering with mental health problems. Every year, companies put on their weird and wonderful hats and make a donation, which will go towards the funding of counselling, therapies and care services provided by the charity.

Why is Click Dealer Supporting Ben?

Click Dealer has always advocated the importance of mental health and general well-being. Although the Clickers are a close-knit team, full of bright and bubbly characters, it’s important for us to keep in mind that we are all human and we all face challenges underneath the surface.

Click Dealer Director, Pippa Rawlinson, said: ‘’We’re so proud to be supporting the Hatson4Ben campaign. Mental health awareness is really important to us at Click Dealer and we are fully behind the incredible work that Ben does for the automotive industry in this field.

“I’m sure The Clickers will be sporting all manner of wacky hats on October 10th and I for one can’t wait!’’

On Wednesday 10th October, team Click will dress to impress in their favourite hats, letting their fellow colleagues know that even if they feel as though the world is against them, they never have to face their problems alone.

How You Can Show Your Support

You can show your support by putting on your own hat and making a small donation to Ben. Every £2 donated on World Mental Health Day through Hats On 4 Ben will contribute to the provision of help and support for you and your fellow automotive colleagues and family dependents.

If you are struggling with mental health or other life challenges, speak to Ben. You can find their contact details, as well as more information about their services here.