Members of a business Resource Efficiency Club (REC) in the South East are celebrating potential savings of more than £500,000, having identified opportunities to reduce waste and improve their use of resources.
The British Furniture Manufacturers (REC) is made up of ten companies from across the South East. Since March 2006, it has been working in partnership with the Envirowise programme and other local business support organisations to share best practice and improve waste management.
The Club comprises of local furniture and woodworking companies and works by bringing together members in a range of seminars and hands-on courses throughout the year. In addition, Envirowise facilitates on-site waste audits for companies to pinpoint areas where resource efficiency can be improved and money saved.
Dr Alistair Bromhead, who leads the Club, said: "The BFM resource efficiency club has shown how much can be achieved through a group of likeminded companies working in co-operation to identify, evaluate and implement a range of cost saving opportunities. Through our work with Envirowise and local business support organisations such as SEFTA (South East Furniture Training Association) and Business Link, our members have achieved fantastic savings. We look forward to building on these successes over the coming year."
Paul Jones, Production Manager at Morgan Contract Furniture, a club member, commented: "Morgan Contract Furniture take environmental responsibility extremely seriously. Through a series of seminars and a site visit* the club has aided me to increase still further our efficiency in a number of areas, saving significant amounts of money long term. Overall the Resource Efficiency Club has been extremely beneficial."
Resource Efficiency Clubs (RECs) are government-funded through Defra's BREW (Business Resource Efficiency & Waste Programme) scheme. The Resource Efficiency Clubs programme is managed by Envirowise.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Louise Harris or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311.
Notes to Editors:
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits* delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.