Council’s reuse partners named in top 100 UK social enterprises

Revive and Seagulls work closely with the council to help residents across Leeds reuse and recycle more of their stuff, diverting waste away from the tip and giving people access to low-cost tins of paint and second-hand items.

The social enterprises on the list have been recognised for their social impact, sustainability and ability to innovate as well as their commitment to tackling climate issues and taking positive action on equality and diversity.

For over 12 years, Revive have worked in partnership with Leeds City Council and currently operate two reuse shops based in Kirkstall and Seacroft household waste recycling centres, enabling residents to donate reusable items like furniture, working electrical items, clothing, bikes, and bric-a-brac.

Revive Leeds is a partnership between the charities St Vincent De Paul, which works to alleviate poverty, and SLATE, which supports people with learning disabilities. Profits from the shop go straight back into their work with local people. The charities also provide training, volunteering, and apprenticeship opportunities for the local community.

Revive have been a key partner in supporting Leeds’ journey towards achieving net zero emissions citywide by 2030 by helping divert 935 tonnes of Co2 last year from being disposed of. The equivalent to taking 458 cars off the road for a whole year.

Having worked with the council since 2010, Seagulls Reuse operate distinctive pink paint banks at all eight-council household waste recycling centres, collecting on average 29 tonnes of paint per month which is recycled and resold at a lower cost to families, organisations, and businesses across Leeds.

Seagulls also provide help and advice to residents to re-use paint and upcycle furniture rather than throw it away, working closely with Revive they offer residents the opportunity to buy low cost tins of recycled paint from the reuse shops.

Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique, said,

“It is fantastic news that both Seagulls and Revive have made the list of top 100 social enterprises in the UK, it is a real testament to their hard work and drive to help tackle the climate emergency in Leeds.

“The council will always look to work innovatively to help the city become carbon neutral and these two partnerships are great examples of this.”

Cat Hyde, co-founder at Seagulls said, “It came as a big surprise to find out we were in the top 100. We hadn't applied ourselves and still don't know who nominated us. It means a lot to our staff and volunteers to get this recognition as the team works incredibly hard to divert paint from landfill and provide a cheap resource for the people of Leeds.

“We also couldn’t do what we do without our wider community and the support of organisations and people in Leeds. Seagulls is a true grassroots social enterprise, started around a kitchen table to respond to environmental issues and combat social justice. We are very proud to have been recognised for our hard work."

Louise Megson, director at Revive, said “We are a local Living Wage Foundation Accredited Employer for over 50 people, so it is a fantastic testament to the entire team that we have been named in top 100 UK social enterprises.

“Revive are proud to be working in partnership with LCC and Seagulls to help encourage more people to re-use across Leeds"

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