Top Draw Prizes for Social Enterprise

South East-based Hastings Furniture Service (HFS), received two commendations at this year's Business Awards.

The company picked up Community Business of the Year and was presented with the Overall Business of the Year Award. It was also applauded for the training provided to staff and the development of the business during its 18 years of trading.

HFS redistributes reusable furniture and electrical appliances to householders on low incomes, through collecting unwanted furniture for free from households in Hastings and Rother. Items are displayed in its store, where householders receiving benefits like income support, working tax credit and council tax credit, can buy them at a lower price. The general public is also able to buy wooden furniture from the store, open Monday to Saturday. The work of HFS prevents over 100 tonnes of unwanted items going to landfill every year. The company also offers a house clearance service at reasonable prices.

The organisation is a social enterprise and registered charity, run by over 40 volunteers and work experience candidates, as well as paid staff. Training is an important part of the company's ethos and several members of staff are currently undertaking NVQ qualifications with in-house Assessors, to assist them into paid employment.

HFS Manager Naomi Ridley commented: "I am very pleased to accept this Award on behalf of everyone who works at HFS. It's great to receive this recognition of the work we are doing and I hope our success will encourage the whole social enterprise sector in Hastings."

For more information or to donate household furniture or appliances, contact HFS: 01424 44 11 12