What began as the seed of an idea from local charity worker Caroline Wheritt back in 2007, was soon transformed into a fully-fledged not-for-profit business venture, and in 2008 Re:Work began trading as an office furniture reuse and recycling specialist.
Fast forward to 2017, and the one-woman start-up has grown to a 10-strong team that can no longer fit into its Hunslet base.
So, with the recruitment of two further staff on the horizon, Re:Work is moving to a 10,000 sqft office space with dedicated showroom, only 1.5 miles away on New Craven Gate.
“We’re not just relocating for practical reasons,” explained Caroline. “I’ve spent a long time looking for a new ‘home’ that will inspire visitors and employees alike.
“I want our customers to come and see, touch and experience how new and used furniture can sit within their own space. And I hope colleagues will come to work motivated and proud of their surroundings.
“The old 1930s building has a real New York loft feel, complete with exposed brickwork, beams and bolts. And we’ve spent 6 months fitting out the space – with the help of our sister company DESK Office Interiors – to try and bring a little bit of Clerkenwell (London) to Leeds. It’s on-trend and, I hope, showcases some of what’s out there from an office furniture and workplace design perspective.”
The showroom will officially open on Wednesday 15 November, with a launch event open to all members of the public from 10:00-14:00. In addition to the usual ribbon-cutting ceremony, food and refreshments, Re:Work will also hold a number of charity games to raise money for Wakefield Hospice.
Working with organisations of all shapes and sizes – including professional services firms, manufacturers, schools and academies – Re:Work is currently a £0.5m turnover business, with plans to grow the company’s portfolio of work to £1m in the next three years. The company now supplies new and used furniture, as a result of client demand for larger-scale installations, and DESK Office Interiors enables the team to deliver complete design, planning and fit-out projects for clients throughout the region.
