Tuesday, 20 July 2010

SOFA Project awarded Social Enterprise Mark

SOFA Project has been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. The mark, which indicates that a business fulfills criteria relating to social impact and business practices, has been awarded to over 160 other businesses including The Eden Project & The Big Issue.

Social enterprises are working to make a difference across the UK and beyond, but not enough people know what they are or how they work. The Social Enterprise Mark, as the brand for social enterprises, will raise awareness of what social enterprises do in order to get more people to buy from, engage with, start up and work for social enterprises.

To find out more about the mark click here

Wednesday, 14 July 2010

Washed your jeans with a tenner in the pocket? try £383.52......


How much is your washing machine really costing you?

We at SOFA Project have conducted our own research to see what the cost would be for someone who purchases from a typical "rent to own" company. The results showed that over three years a customer purchasing from a retailer such as Bright House will pay £383.52 more for a washing machine, than they would for a similar machine from SOFA Project.

A washing machine for £3.42 per week maybe the only affordable solution for some people. However in partnership with Somerset Credit Union, SOFA Project can now offer a very attractive alternative solution. 

A loan of £150 from North Somerset Credit Union to be used at SOFA Project can be paid off for £5.00 per a week, with a total interest payment of only £11.83.



What are you waiting for? Call North Somerset Credit Union on 01934 429573 or visit their website
 

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

George's 1st budget



When George Osborne announced his first budget today, we were watching closely to see how the contents of the little suitcase of terror would affect the Furniture Re-use Network.
With child benefits being frozen and tighter controls on benefits in general,  a large proportion of our customers have been hit by the budget. Not all bleak, since the tax-free personal allowance on income tax will be increased by £1,000 giving 23 million people up to an extra £170 per year.  

Sadly, we can't say we were totally surprised with some of the measures. VAT hitting 20% unfortunately means less money in everyone’s pockets.  However we at SOFA Project hope this will provide the stimulus to encourage more people to start buying reused home furniture and appliances from stores like us, since we don’t charge VAT. 

Mr Osborne also plans to give efficient local councils extra funding, could this spell further deals to be done between members of the FRN and their local councils?

This could be a silver lining for us.......even if the silver is being taxed like crazy.

SOFA Project founded in 1982, provide new, nearly new & second hand furniture and home appliances to everyone but with further discounts available to those on benefits and low income.

We are one of many stores the make up the Furniture Re-use Network, click here to find your closest.


Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Do you Knowle about sofa PLUS?



Sofa PLUS, the newest branch of SOFA Project, is now open on Wells Road, at Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle. It stocks a range of kitchen appliances and furniture, new as well as reconditioned.

The store has a higher quality range than that of SOFA Project, West Street, Bristol.

“The customers we’ve had so far are amazed at the quality of the products on sale and delighted with our bargain prices”, says Ian Rowlands, Store Manager. “The only problem we‘ve had is, because of our prices, a lot of people believe we only sell to people on benefits, which is far from the truth - anyone can buy from us."

Our prices are still cheaper than anywhere around, including most of the internet, even our delivery is just £10!

SOFA Project has over 25 years experience supplying furniture & home appliances. We are known and trusted throughout the South West for our quality control and amazing value for money. Everything we do helps someone in need and helps save the planet, too.

Next time you buy, why not choose the socially responsible choice?
 

Going Digital


Since everyone else is blogging these days we thought it was about time we did too. We didn't stop there though, were now on facebook & twitter.

Facebook Page

Become a fan of SOFA Project and keep an eye out for special offers and news. Don't forget to share us with your friends.

Twitter - @SofaProjectUK

Listing some of the products we have in our Bristol show room. It won't be long before Knowle & the Weston Super Mare store are at it too.