As a third generation automotive Engineer, Jeff Coope’s enthusiasm and affection for the motor industry is clear. He started his career in 1976 as an engineering apprentice with first tier automotive supplier Lockheed and he went on to work for British Aerospace, Honda, BMW and Ford. In 1997 he moved from engine development to estate management, managing Jaguar Land Rover’s 900-acre Gaydon research site, before joining the British Motor Museum in 2002 as Director of Operations.

In his role as Director of Operations, Jeff planned and implemented many projects that are now part of the DNA of the Museum - from the creation of the Collections Centre and  redesign of the Museum in 2016 to the design and construction of a driver training track in the Museum grounds. Appointed Managing Director in March 2020, his five years leading the organisation have navigated some turbulent times and yet, despite this, the Museum and Conference Centre that helps to support it, have gone from strength to strength.

Jeff had a very clear vision - for the Museum to become the global focal point of Britain’s automotive history and culture, sharing our heritage with future generations and truly being a place for everyone. During his tenure he has seen the development of the Museum into an award winning, highly regarded organisation, recognised as a benchmark both by its peers and industry bodies such as Arts Council England.

Jeff said “I am delighted to have served as Director of Operations and Managing Director and have enjoyed taking the Trust and the Museum to a new level. We looked to new horizons and are well on the way to becoming a Museum truly representative of all British manufacturers. During my time, we have increased our appeal to visitors, enthusiasts and institutions with new products, events and facilities and I am pleased to leave the Museum with a very bright future ahead of it.”

Joel Kordan, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank Jeff for his exemplary 23 years of service at the Museum. What a legacy - he’ll be a hard act to follow! We wish Jeff all the very best in his retirement which will no doubt include a great deal more time spent with his passions of sports cars, motorbikes and sailing!”  

The recruitment of a new CEO is already underway and, in the interim, the organisation is in the capable hands of Finance Director, Adrian Managhan.

To find out more about the British Motor Museum please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Fourwinds Energy and Team BK8 GRESINI RACING MOTOGP shake hands and announce a new partnership for this 2025 season: this sponsorship marks the meeting point between energy innovation and the excitement of motorcycle racing, with Fourwinds Energy that continues to support bold projects while promoting a dynamic and state-of-the-art future. 

Through this partnership, Fourwinds will enhance its brand within an international scenario, tying its experience in the seeking innovative energy solutions with the spectacular and highly paced motorcycle racing competitions. The Fourwinds energy logo will be visible on the motorcycles as well as on plenty of promotional material, ensuring ample visibility while strengthening the bond between technology and top-level sporting competitions. 

With this initiative, Fourwinds confirm its goal to pursue excellence and to invest in projects that are capable to excites those who follow them. The partnership with Team BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP represents a milestone in the growth of the company and its expansion on the world stage. 

NAZZARENO CERACCHI – CEO FOURWINDS Group
"We’re extremely excited to be partnering with Team BK8 GRESINI RACING MOTOGP, a team that embodies speed, determination and innovation. This partnership represents a springboard towards a future in which sustainable energy and advanced technologies will define new standards in the sector.”

CARLO MERLINI – GRESINI RACING COMMERCIAL & MARKETING DIRECTOR
"We welcome with great excitement this partnership with Fourwinds Energy, which – despite its young age – it is already an institution with clear vision and ambitious targets for the future. We’re confident this synergy will bring extraordinary results, on the track and beyond. The opening races have already shown what we’re made of and we hope to continue to surprise throughout the season.”

The world's largest-ever public display of Brough Superior SS100s will make motorcycle history at The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash, on April 26-27, 2025.

BMW Motorrad and Infinity Motorcycles have been crowned winners of the prestigious stand awards by visitors to the UK’s biggest and most interactive motorcycle and scooter show, MCL24. 

The annual vote asks attendees for their standout exhibitors in the following categories: Best Manufacturer Stand, Best Customer Experience, and Best Non-Manufacturer Stand.

BMW Motorrad: Take the ‘haul’

For the fourth year in a row, BMW Motorrad captivated the crowds with its impressive and innovative stand, winning both Best Manufacturer Stand and Best Customer Experience. Respondents to the post-show survey were drawn to BMW’s display of its entire 2025 motorcycle range as well as having the opportunity to ask questions of its product specialists.

With four performances a day, the ‘Make Life a Ride Arena’ played host to expert riders demonstrating the ability and agility of models such as the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. Visitors were treated to a very special guest appearance from 2024 World Superbike Champion, Toprak RazgatlıoÄŸlu and were able to see his stunting prowess first-hand as he took to the arena aboard a GS.

Simon Roots, Brand Communication and Partnership Manager at BMW Motorrad, comments: “We’re beyond thrilled to be singled out by the attendees of MCL24 for the fourth time in a row. These awards are a reflection of our commitment to bring exciting and engaging experiences to motorcycle enthusiasts, and the hard work of our amazing team to make it happen. We’re grateful for the support and we look forward to MCL25!”

Infinity Motorcycle clinch Best Non-Manufacturer Stand

Known for its vast array of motorcycle apparel and accessories, Infinity Motorcycles created a dynamic, customer-centric stand with an impressive lineup of product offerings at competitive prices. Visitors were impressed by the product selection as well as the advice and knowledge of staff.

Alan Arnold, Sales Director at Infinity Motorcycles said: “Speaking on behalf of the team, we’re so proud to win the Best Non-Manufacturer Stand award this year! It reflects all their hard work on the rebrand and the investment in new show fittings to showcase the great products to their full potential. We’ll see you at MCL25!”

Early Bird Advanced tickets for MCL25 are on sale now from www.motorcyclelive.co.uk. Taking place between 15-23 November at the NEC, Birmingham,  The event offers an unparalleled platform to experience everything great about two, three, and light four wheels.

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched a range of new support options and resources focused on neurodiversity, to meet growing demand and raise awareness about this important topic across the sector. 

Neurodivergence is when a person’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is ‘typical’ and neurotypical describes how the average person’s brain works. From Ben’s latest insights, those in the automotive industry who have reported having neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia are more likely to experience mental, physical, financial, and social issues. In 2024, 73% of neurodivergent individuals in the industry said they experienced feelings of anxiety, compared to 44% of neurotypical individuals. Neurodivergent individuals were also more likely to be stressed at home (57%), compared to 32% of neurotypical individuals.

Currently, almost 9% of people receiving support from Ben are affected by neurodiversity - either personally, or they are the partner, carer, or parent of someone who is neurodivergent.

In light of this, Ben has added two new support programmes to its digital therapeutic platform, Silvercloud, which is free for automotive workers and their family dependents who can sign up using the code: ben. The new programmes are:

• Living well with ADHD: click here
• Living well as an autistic person: click here

Ben has also launched new neurodiversity-related online tips and advice to help those seeking support and diagnosis. The online content is at www.ben.org.uk/neurodiversity

The charity has also released a new article for employers, sharing thoughts from Julie Hayes, Ben’s Head of Specialist Services, about embracing neurodiversity in the workplace to help leaders and managers support their employees: click here.

Rachel Clift, Ben’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re pleased to launch a range of new support programmes, resources, and content on this hugely important topic. Our insights reveal that neurodivergent individuals in the automotive industry are facing greater challenges with their health and wellbeing, making it all the more important for us to provide easy access to relevant support for them and show them that we’re always here if and when they need us.

“As always, we remain dedicated to supporting everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. We believe that, by fully embracing neurodiversity across our sector, we can create a more inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive, both personally and professionally. Through this campaign, we aim to raise awareness and reduce stigma around neurodivergence, as well as encourage open conversations, greater understanding, and support.”

Ben will also share some resources from Neurodiversity Celebration Week on its available channels.

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