Suspension of certain activities, and changes to staffing structures and roles and responsibilities within the National Motor Museum Trust

21 October 2026

Statements from the National Motor Museum Trust.

Suspension of certain National Motor Museum Trust activities

The National Motor Museum Trust is announcing a temporary suspension of some of the Trust’s activities with immediate effect. This comes as the process of relocation becomes the Trust’s priority, especially the preparations required for the eventual re-housing and movement of all its 1.9 million motoring objects and archives.

During this time the Trust will no longer be able to respond to loan requests, offers of vehicles and other objects, or research enquiries (other than loans and donations that have been already agreed). There is also a temporary suspension of National Motor Museum Trust events, such as ‘Classic Grilles’ and ‘Transport Torques’, however activities to celebrate the centenary of the Sunbeam 1000hp will go ahead as planned. Routine maintenance and conservation of the collection will continue.

Visitors will continue to be able to enjoy visits to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu during this time.

Changes to staffing structures and roles and responsibilities within the National Motor Museum Trust

Changes to the organisational structure of the National Motor Museum Trust are required as it pivots towards its future direction, and to ensure it remains sustainable in the immediate term.

As with many other heritage charities, the National Motor Museum Trust operates in an environment where funding is increasingly challenging, so there are significant financial pressures to manage. Proposed adjustments to both staffing structures and roles and responsibilities within the National Motor Museum Trust’s team are currently being consulted upon with the employees concerned. These proposals are intended to secure the Trust’s financial position, reduce risk and enable the organisation to continue to deliver its charitable objectives. No final decisions on future staffing structures have yet been made.

Staff working within the Museum at Beaulieu, including the workshops, are employed by Beaulieu Enterprises and their roles will not be impacted by the National Motor Museum Trust restructuring.