Chicane's Gary Barak and former launch editor John Stanton at the CAT Awards

The CAT Awards, held on January 22 at the Lensbury Hotel and Conference Centre, were not just a success for those companies and individuals lucky enough to win a prized trophy.

Industry charity BEN also benefited hugely.

In total, the 100 or so invited Awards attendees donated a very creditable £842.

CAT publisher Jim Foster commented: “We were delighted with this figure: especially seeing as we didn’t actually tell anyone in advance that they would be able to donate to BEN during the lunch!

“CAT will continue to support BEN in any way it can, including at the 2011 Awards where we will think up some kind of genius way to make more cash for them.

“I think our aim next year will be to smash the £1000 barrier.

“Maybe we could have a charity auction too, where people could bid for the services of key aftermarket individuals for a day… I wonder how much I would get for my services?!”