A unique partnership between an Edinburgh charity and a removal firm is demonstrating the power of collaboration to address pressing social and environmental issues.
Sterling Sinclair Removals (SSR) is one of the fastest-growing removals and storage companies in Scotland. CEO and ex-professional rugby player Adam Sinclair has brought his competitive spirit to the world of removals. However, it is a company with a big heart. When Adam was approached by Four Square, an Edinburgh charity supporting people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, he was happy to work with them to find a win-win solution for both organisations. This partnership is a great example of how private companies and social enterprises can collaborate to achieve social and environmental goals.
Based in central Scotland, Sterling Sinclair Removals helps clients with everything from moving overseas to downsizing and relocating offices. Often, the company finds clients have items of perfectly good furniture they no longer want. SSR has always tried to find new homes for the items including a Chesterfield sofa which is now at the SSR HQ, but unfortunately, much of it ends up in landfill. With sustainability on his mind, Adam was conscious that there must be a better solution.
On Gorgie Road, Four Square operates one of Scotland’s largest social enterprises, Edinburgh Furniture Initiative. They believe that everyone deserves a beautiful home and sell quality, preloved furniture and homeware to fund vital services for people experiencing homelessness in the city. Their services are dependent on the income generated from the reuse store and include a women’s refuge and supported accommodation for young people.
As part of a strategic project to boost income generation, Four Square is actively seeking partnerships with like-minded corporations. Their marketing manager, Felicity Neyme, reached out to Adam after seeing his posts on LinkedIn, and they quickly identified an opportunity to reduce waste at SSR, save items from landfill and generate funds for the Four Square charity.
In just a few months, the project has diverted two full shipping containers of quality furniture from landfill and generated £3,500 for Four Square services in Edinburgh.
We are delighted to partner with Four Square on this innovative project. It not only helps us reduce our environmental impact, but it also supports a fantastic charity that is making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness
In light of the pressing climate crisis and the difficult financial landscape for charities, this partnership is a win-win for all parties. By diverting unwanted furniture from landfill, Sterling Sinclair Removals and Four Square are reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable future. At the same time, the funds generated are helping Four Square provide vital services to people experiencing homelessness in Scotland’s capital city.
The partnership between Sterling Sinclair Removals and Four Square is a shining example of how businesses and social enterprises can work together to create a positive impact. By diverting unwanted furniture from landfill and generating funds for homeless services, the collaboration benefits the environment, the community, and both organisations raising the question of where other partnerships can be created to work towards solving other pressing social issues.
This partnership is a win-win for both organisations. It allows us to generate additional income to support our services while also promoting sustainability. We are grateful for Sterling Sinclair Removals' commitment to social responsibility and are always on the lookout for new corporate partners.
