An unprecedented level of staff donations to BEN has seen Cambria Automobiles awarded the 'platinum' quality mark for its support for the automotive charity.

It acknowledges the contribution made by the AM100 group's 1,000-plus staff directly from their salaries each month. The payroll giving scheme sees staff donate between £5 and £50 per month. About 27% of Cambria's 'associates' give this way.

Chief executive  Mark Lavery said: "Seven and a half years ago when the group was incorporated we invited BEN in to give a presentation about the work it does as the only charity supporting our sector, and without any pressure from management, associates have taken their social responsibility very seriously and have chosen to donate.

"I understand from BEN, the level of payroll giving in an organisation of Cambria's size is unprecedented. But it's easy to see why when you consider the important work BEN does."

Cambria has been 'gold' supporters, but after continued endorsement of payroll giving and "going the extra mile for BEN", its status has been upgraded. BEN representatives are invited to speak at each Cambria annual conference and visit each dealership every other year. Cambria recently made a £10,000 donation to the charity.

> More on payroll giving to BEN.