Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has become the latest corporate partner of Transaid, a UK-based international development organisation focused on improving road safety and healthcare access in sub-Saharan Africa.
The move formalises Vaculug’s ongoing support for the charity, which has included fundraising and participation in awareness-raising initiatives. It also reflects a growing interest within the tyre and transport sectors in applying industry expertise to global development goals.
In recent months, Vaculug has supported Transaid ambassador Guy Heywood in a range of initiatives, including direct contributions to the organisation’s work in Zambia. In February, Heywood and Vaculug Chairman Haarjeev Kandhari attended the King’s Humanitarian Reception at Buckingham Palace, an event hosted by His Majesty The King to recognise notable contributors to humanitarian causes. Transaid’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, was also in attendance.
Kandhari welcomed the announcement, highlighting shared values between the two organisations and a commitment to deepening involvement in Transaid’s programmes.
Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, noted the importance of corporate partnerships in delivering on-the-ground impact:
“The support we receive from our corporate partners is one of the key ingredients in what allows our programmes to be so successful. We’re excited for this opportunity to work more closely with the team at Vaculug; they bring a wealth of industry expertise and we are excited for what we can achieve together.”
Vaculug joins a network of 33 corporate partners across the transport and logistics sectors who provide operational support, funding, and knowledge to help advance Transaid’s road safety training and rural access programmes.
Vaculug’s partnership with Transaid underscores a growing trend among tyre and mobility companies to align business expertise with social impact. By supporting initiatives that improve mobility and healthcare access, particularly in remote regions, tyre sector leaders are demonstrating the wider relevance of their operations. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where reliable transport can mean the difference between life and death, such partnerships highlight how industry collaboration can create real-world change—especially in areas such as fleet training, safe driving standards, and vehicle maintenance.
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