FRC Group Shortlisted for NatWest’s 2016/17 SE100 Social Business Awards

Liverpool’s FRC Group, parent company of Bulky Bob, were celebrated by NatWest SE100, the leading UK intelligence resource for social enterprises.

FRC Group, a social enterprise working to End Furniture Poverty, has been shortlisted for the Impact award in the NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards 2016/17.

Revealed last night at the annual Good Deals social investment conference, a total of 26 organisations have been shortlisted, celebrating the most inspiring and effective social enterprise leaders, and the strength, impact and resilience of the sector in the UK.

The Impact Champion Award recognises a social enterprise that takes considerable measures to demonstrate and communicate the social or environmental impact of their business.

FRC Group was established nearly 30 years ago with a social mission to get furniture to families on low incomes, and to help long-term unemployed people back into work. As well as Bulky Bob’s, which collects bulky household waste for Liverpool City Council, reusing as much quality preloved furniture as possible and giving it away to those in need, FRC Group also works with social housing providers around the country to end furniture poverty.

Shaun Doran, CEO of FRC Group, said: “We are delighted to be once again shortlisted for an SE100 Social Business Award. It means a great deal to us to be recognised nationally as an organisation that helps makes a real difference and changes people’s lives.

“Our vision is of a society where people can obtain good quality, affordable furniture without experiencing the devastating impacts of furniture poverty – no bed to sleep on or unmanageable debts.

“Our mission is to reduce and ultimately eradicate furniture poverty, campaigning to raise awareness and create practical solutions to get furniture to people who need it. This award nomination really helps to draw attention to the problem.”

For more information, visit EndFurniturePoverty.org

All shortlisted organisations will be invited to bring members of their team to attend a special residential Insight Event at the RBS/NatWest Business School in Edinburgh, in early 2017, focusing on “Leadership and Building a Brilliant Social Enterprise Team.”

Mark Parsons, Head of Community Finance and Social Enterprise, NatWest, said: “The SE100 Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the very best in UK social enterprise. This year’s strong shortlist showcases the vibrancy and diversity of these businesses, which are making our economy more successful and our communities stronger. NatWest has been a proud supporter of the sector for many years and we look forward to welcoming all of those shortlisted to the Awards ceremony in January.”

Tim West, CEO of Matter&Co and founder of the SE100, said ”Running any business is challenging – running a business that changes people’s lives and stays profitable at the same time is nothing short of miraculous. This year’s SE100 shortlist is making miracles happen for people and communities all around the country. We look forward to learning how they do it and sharing their stories, as we select our winners over the coming months.”