Motor Museum celebrates the past with an eye to the skills of the future

This year marks 30 years of the British Motor Museum at its home near Gaydon. While treasuring and celebrating the region’s glorious motoring past, the Museum, with its school visits, commitment to STEM and recruitment opportunities, is also mapping out a bright future – and businesses’ involvement is very welcome, says Fundraising Development Manager, Cat Stuart Yapp. 

On 1 May 1993, the British Motor Museum, known at the time as the ‘Heritage Motor Centre,’ opened its doors for the very first time. Purpose-built to hold the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s collections, the Museum was created with the aim to preserve the motoring history of Britain, now and into the future. A charity from the start, public support has helped the Museum collect, conserve and share the collections to inspire this generation and the next. 

The Museum is, however, much more than a static collection of cars. Over two million items held in the Museum and Archive tell a myriad of individual stories, revealing the history of those employed within the industry and the social impact of British automotive manufacturing. From opportunities to get up close to vehicles once watched in movies, unlocking memories of first cars, or recollecting days working at one of the many British motor manufacturing plants, the collection gives members of the public an opportunity to share stories and reminisce about an industry that impacted everyone and continues to do so. 

Historically, the UK motor industry was centred on the West Midlands, with Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country all playing important roles in this hub of industry and manufacturing. The Museum and collections therefore play a significant regional role with very real and current personal connections for local people and their families. In addition, the global impact of Britain’s automotive industry means that the collection also has worldwide importance, relevance and reach. 

Through learning programmes to inspire children and young people, community outreach work and accessible initiatives, the Museum delivers long-term positive impacts on the lives of individuals across the age spectrum. The calendar of lifelong learning activities ranges from informal learning delivered through daily Museum tours, to curriculum-based formal learning programmes for visiting schools. Community outreach includes reminiscence sessions held at residential care homes and dementia cafes, working with food banks and holding HAF (Holiday and Food) Clubs. 

The Trust is a huge advocate of STEM, running STEM sessions for local schools, providing visits for Schools, Colleges and Universities to encourage people into the STEM industries as well as holding STEM specific career days. The latest exhibition explores technology and the changes it brings to the future. 

The nature of the business allows the Museum to recruit both skilled and entry level roles – all of which include training and support for increased skill provision. It provides opportunities for growth as well as offering volunteering opportunities of many types. 

With such a vast collection, the Museum has a multifaceted approach to raising funds. As well as Museum ticket sales, an onsite and online shop and a café, the Museum has a newly active Fundraising programme and has a vast conference facility with all profits generated from conferencing donated back to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. 

With spaces suitable from 6-600 delegates, exhibition space, rooms with vehicle access as well as flexible outdoor space, there are a huge range of possibilities and opportunities for events. The Museum has hosted all types of events over the years, from conferences to dinners, and weddings to product launches. –With an in-house catering team, there is a variety of menu packages to help clients make a great impression on delegates. Whether it is a hot buffet at lunch time, a relaxed post conference BBQ or even a drinks reception and dinner in the Museum itself – the team can usually make it happen! 

The organisation has significant plans and ambitions to broaden the collection, increase public access and awareness, build capacity and develop more inspirational programmes. All part of the journey to become one of the world’s outstanding museums. 

There are a number of ways for local businesses to support the Museum. From choosing the venue for an upcoming conference, to finding out about CSR programmes or getting in touch about becoming a supporter of the Trust. With the support of Warwickshire businesses, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust can continue to collect, conserve, share and inspire - creating a lasting legacy through positive impact on communities and individuals. 

To find out more about the Museum, please visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk 

For more information about conferencing, please visit: www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/conferences