AUDIO NEWS: Over 9,500 vans stolen in 2025 and Band of Builders needs volunteer tradespeople

Over 9,500 vans, worth £77m were stolen in 2025, JTL sets up Female Apprentice Network and Band of Builders needs volunteer tradespeople for its next five projects

Over 9,500 vans, worth more than £77 million were reported stolen last year — that’s according to research from Direct Line Business Insurance.

The report also suggested that three in five stolen vans were never recovered.

Additional research from the insurer found that nearly two thirds of tradespeople would have their ability to work “significantly affected” if their van was stolen, written off or badly damaged.

A third of those surveyed also said that even losing their vehicle for a day would have a negative impact on their business.

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JTL has launched a Female Apprentice Network to connect women across its range of training programmes.

The network will provide a space for current and future apprentices to build confidence and access peer support.

The network, which launched last week, will also allow members to access guest speakers, recruitment opportunities, mentoring and career mapping workshops.

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Band of Builders (BOB) is looking for volunteer tradespeople to help with five projects across the country, over the next six months.

The construction charity undertakes practical building projects for tradespeople and their families who may be battling illness or injury.

Tony Steel operations director, with the charity said: “We’d love to hear from potential volunteers for our upcoming projects — whether they are [Band of Builders] veterans or new volunteers who want to join us in transforming the lives of others.”

To get involved click here.

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