GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT

It is exactly one year since I took over as General Manager, a year that has seen both the company and myself on a steep learning curve not least in trying to comprehend new European recycling legislation.

Perhaps the greatest challenge to our activities over the previous twelve months has been the introduction of the new EU Directive regarding the disposal of CFC foam contained within refrigerated units. This meant that our previous recycling and degassing practices could no longer be continued. As a result of a lack of suitable shredding facilities within Scotland and the UK generally, we are now working with Falkirk Council to safely store these units until they can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

The furniture sales figures have increased over the last twelve months. Our statistics show that these sales are the result of new customers and not due to increased prices, as we continue to sell items at affordable levels. I have no doubt that the effort and time we have taken over the presentation and display of the goods for sale have made them more attractive and help to increase sales. The large number and quality of the goods donated by the general public have also made this success possible.

We continued to operate the ‘Free Furniture Referral Scheme’. We have increased the number of items available under the scheme to include most household items including three piece suites. Delivery of items is free of charge. The numbers of referrals sent to us during the year highlights that there is still a demand for this service.

All of our activities place a great strain on our vehicles. Over the past year the fleet has been evaluated and replacement vehicles purchased so that a more efficient transport system is in place. Because transport is so critical to our operations it has been decided to keep our fleet under continual review and obtain suitable replacements when appropriate.

On a very positive note, we were delighted to be one of only three organisations in Scotland to receive a REMPLOY ‘Leading the Way’ award. This award was in recognition of our commitment to the employment and development of people with disabilities and highlights the importance of our objective of providing employment and training opportunities to people who might find if difficult to gain employment elsewhere.

I would like to thank all the staff and the Board for the support they have given me through out the year.

Finally, I cannot complete my report on the year without mentioning Stephen Craig, who died in January after a long battle with cancer. Stephen was a valuable member of the staff and is sadly missed by all.