Wiltshire Business
Turning the tables
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| Paul Smith, managing director of Office Clearance and Wholesale Limited |
If the mention of secondhand office furniture brings to mind images of scratched filing cabinets and stained chairs, think again.
Office Clearance and Wholesale Limited, based in West Swindon, is a leader in the field of dealing with previously owned office furniture and equipment of all kinds.
And when you visit their new facility in Evolution House on Westmead Drive, there is hardly a scratch or stain to be seen.
"We live in times when terms like sustainability and environmental responsibility have moved on from academic papers and the green lobby to the everyday vocabulary of businesses and consumers alike," said managing director Paul Smith.
"And there is no longer any stigma attached to re-using almost any item of office equipment or furniture.
"The items we deal with have usually been well looked after and because most of them come to us from major corporate headquarters, where the specification of everything is extremely high, the customers who buy items from us get exceptional quality at very competitive prices.
"We offer a valuable service, both to our corporate customers who want us to clear out their offices - which we do efficiently and economically - and to our customers who buy the items for re-use."
The company deals with an amazing diversity of items that ranges from desks and conference tables - the largest currently available can seat 30 people - to reception seating and chairs of all types, of which there are about 6,000 in stock.
They also deal with call centre furniture, racking and carpet tiles.
A viewing of the stock in the Westmead Drive showroom will also demonstrate that it is not limited to everyday items.
Among the desks, chairs and filing cabinets, there are two rather handsome K6 red telephone boxes, a variety of contemporary classic chairs including an Eye Chair by Boss Design and even some large posters from the London Dungeon.
Every item that is acquired by the company is assessed for condition and the integrity of its structure.
In most cases, even if the item is damaged, it can be expertly repaired or refurbished. Items are cleaned where necessary and fine finishes on cabinets and conference table can be French polished to return them to their once pristine condition.
From a safety point of view, all mechanisms are thoroughly inspected for correct functioning and all electrical appliances are PAT tested.
"We take pride in ensuring that everything that leaves any of our premises is functioning as it should and, moreover, is safe," insists Paul.
Of course, inevitably there are going to be items recovered during the process of clearing an office, meeting room or house that is simply beyond refurbishment or repair, and in an innovative move, the company is creating a recycling facility in partnership with Rabbit Recycling
of Wotton-under- Edge in Gloucestershire.
In the near future if, for example, an office chair is deemed to be beyond repair, it will be deconstructed by the company's operatives and all the different materials used in the original manufacturing process will be separated and allocated to specific recycling areas.
Mike Morris from Rabbit Recycling said: "We will work closely with Paul to use our expertise and industry intelligence to maximise the environmental benefits of recycling, alongside the economic benefits.
"In most instances we can recycle 90 per cent of what we clear.
"Paul is a true innovator.
"He is the first person in his industry to implement such a programme and while he won't be the last, he has set the standard
that others are going to have to aspire to."
And as Paul says: "We are determined to play a significant and positive role in not only instigating our own recycling programmes but also to encourage other small businesses in the area to do the same."
Contact Office Clearance and Wholesale Limited on 01793 619744 or email sales@officecw.co.uk
10:23am Wednesday 5th March 2008
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