Two organisations working in South Leeds have been named among the top 100 social enterprises in the UK, in this year’s NatWest SE100 Index.
Revive Leeds and Community Wood Recycling are on the list which recognises their social impact, sustainability and ability to innovate as well as their commitment to tackling climate issues and taking positive action on equality and diversity.
For over 12 years, Revive Leeds have worked in partnership with Leeds City Council and currently operate two reuse shops based in Kirkstall and Seacroft household waste recycling centres, enabling residents to donate reusable items like furniture, working electrical items, clothing, bikes, and bric-a-brac.
Revive Leeds is a partnership between the charities St Vincent De Paul, which works to alleviate poverty, and Hunslet-based SLATE (originally South Leeds Alternative Trading Enterprise), which supports people with learning disabilities. Profits from the shop go straight back into their work with local people. The charities also provide training, volunteering, and apprenticeship opportunities for the local community.
Revive have been a key partner in supporting Leeds’ journey towards achieving net zero emissions citywide by 2030 by helping divert 935 tonnes of Co2 last year from being disposed of. The equivalent to taking 458 cars off the road for a whole year.
Leeds Wood Recycling, part of Community Wood Recycling and based in Holbeck, collect waste wood and run a reclaimed timber shop and woodworking classes. Set up in 2018, they quickly won praise for their initiatives to combat loneliness and isolation through bringing people together to work with wood.
Another Leeds social enterprise, Seagulls Reuse, also makes the list. Seagulls operate distinctive pink paint banks at all eight-council household waste recycling centres, collecting on average 29 tonnes of paint per month which is recycled and resold at a lower cost to families, organisations, and businesses across Leeds.
Louise Megson, director at Revive, said:
“We are a local Living Wage Foundation Accredited Employer for over 50 people, so it is a fantastic testament to the entire team that we have been named in top 100 UK social enterprises.
“Revive are proud to be working in partnership with LCC and Seagulls to help encourage more people to re-use across Leeds”
Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique, said:
“It is fantastic news that both Seagulls and Revive have made the list of top 100 social enterprises in the UK, it is a real testament to their hard work and drive to help tackle the climate emergency in Leeds.
“The council will always look to work innovatively to help the city become carbon neutral and these two partnerships are great examples of this.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
Photo: Team members outside SLATE’s Hunslet shop front. Credit: SLATE
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