Liverpool John Moores University required the services of Bulky Bob’s for Business to clear a former campus of over 3000 reusable items of furniture and classroom equipment. Bulky Bob’s for Business’ mission to End Furniture Poverty meant the furniture was donated free of charge to local charities, community groups and schools.

Initially LJMU created an inventory of all items including photos and a quality score. Johnsons 1871 categorised the items and created an online portal for charities, community groups and schools to order from. Recent LJMU graduate, Andrea Craig headed the project, verifying eligible recipients and managing administrative operations. Bulky Bob’s for Business publicised the project and provided the logistical delivery of donations to the recipients.

The project has resulted in economic, environmental and societal benefits as these items were reused rather than being recycled or disposed of at landfill. It had a positive impact on 100% of people who received furniture and over 4700 people have benefitted as a result.

Mark Nevitt, Head of Business and Stakeholder Services at LJMU said:

“It is great to see the furniture being reused and helping out so many local groups and organisations. The mission of FRC Group is to end furniture poverty. We are delighted to work in partnership with them and Johnsons minimising our environmental impact.”

Shaun Doran, CEO of FRC Group said:

“This has been a very exciting and successful project which has received an overwhelming response. We are so pleased that it has granted reuse to over 3000 quality items from LJMU campuses, bringing both societal and environmental benefits. It was promising to see that there was such an interest in the used furniture and classroom equipment, so we really hope that this partnership will encourage other organisations to enlist our services to make used goods available to schools, charities and community groups in need.”

The Result

Over 3000 items were reused by charities, community groups and schools, and with 750 accounts registered on the portal, the clear demand for the furniture verifies the need for more of these projects to take place.

Read our full Furniture Reuse with LJMU and Johnsons 1871 Case Study here.