Leeds social enterprise launches brand new furniture showroom

Re:Work, the social enterprise and office furniture supplier, launched its new Leeds showroom last week, having relocated to larger premises in preparation for further growth.

With two recruits on the horizon, the new 10,000 sq ft office at New Craven Gate will facilitate the social enterprise’s next phase of development.

The new premises includes a reception area, showroom, offices, separate warehouse, meeting room and kitchen, along with potential for expansion into an additional 4,000 sq ft space.

Split into two halves, one side of the showroom displays the enterprise’s ‘reconomical’ range – while the other will be stocked with its portfolio of new office equipment.

Founded back in 2007 by local charity worker Caroline Wheritt, Re:Work soon transformed into a not-for-profit business venture. In 2008, Re:Work began trading as an office furniture reuse and recycling specialist.

Commenting on the showroom’s launch event, Caroline Wherritt , Re:Work’s managing director, said: “The day was a huge success – we are so grateful for all the support we received and even raised £128.80 for a charity, we hold close to our hearts.

“The new premises felt right as soon as we saw it, so we were delighted to be able to share the launch with friends, family, clients and partners, after the hard work we’ve put in to transform the space.”

Technician Jamie Wherritt commented: “The showroom is what we have wanted since we started almost ten years ago, as it allows us to display exactly what we do.

“This space really does the furniture justice and there’s even room to promote the more unusual colours and textures that we have on offer, which we couldn’t do in our previous warehouse. Sometimes clients need a little inspiration and I hope this is what these premises offer.”

Further refurbishment work is set to take place imminently, which will see the meeting room being made available to other businesses for free. The showroom itself will also serve a dual purpose, as it can be used as a workspace for staff and other alike.