Carol Batey - recycling furniture for charitable causes

31 August 2017The Furniture Project Nottinghamshire – Mike Manning & John Bradford

Club members were expecting to hear a talk from Carole Batey who is the Project Manager, but instead, Mike (Chairman) and John (Secretary) came to our meeting to outline the history and progress made by this registered charity since its start in 1992(after the pilot scheme in 1991) and how well they did, as it was their first presentation.

The project was described as a Social Enterprise and from the presentation it was clear that the business model not only provided a ‘house into a home’ service for disadvantaged people living in deprived communities in the County, but also had a structure that was fully funded and has long-term plans for future development. There are some 150 agencies (such as the Probation Service) referring people to the charity that deals with an average of 10 enquiries per day.  The project celebrated its 25^th anniversary this year and since its inception, the project has helped over 30 000 families and individuals in Nottinghamshire.

Based in Boughton where they have warehousing in 3 former Nissan huts on the ex-MOD prisoner of war camp, and benefitting from Funding from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust and other award granters, the business has grown significantly, has a 9 person management group and employs 11 staff and 17 volunteers.

It has 5 vans that are used to collect donated furniture –these are warehoused before items being delivered to needy families at a very economic price….the donated items and sales made are documented in detail and by use of the Gift Aid Scheme (introduced in 2009) the charity currently raises some £30,000 per annum. In accordance with the agreement, the sale price is offered back to the donor, less costs of 75%, but donors very rarely claim the money.

Only reasonable quality furniture is collected with fire certificates where appropriate, but the charity will dispose of unwanted items for a small fee (£10) collected by their drivers. There is an excess of items being collected so storage is important and enables the charity to meet the item needs of most referrals, but also sell surplus stock to the public to help fund the project. Surplus new clothing is also collected from major retailers and has become another important avenue of funding. Furniture removal will also be undertaken within the Nottinghamshire boundaries.  Last year recognition was given to the project for their recycling work in helping to prevent household waste going into landfill sites, it was a winner of the Nottingham Evening Post Environmental Award 2016, for recycling and waste management.

The project also has a shop in Ollerton which sells excess stock and the charity plans to have one in Newark if suitable premises become available at the right rental.                                                BB