Remade in Edinburgh is rolling out its innovative reuse and repair centre – the Edinburgh Remakery – to other cities in the UK.
Since 2012 Remade in Edinburgh has offered a place where anyone can learn to fix everyday items such as clothing, computers and furniture, offering repair workshops, selling refurbished computers and campaigning for goods to be designed to last. It has won three awards and now diverts 70 tonnes of waste a year and employs a team of five, with an additional 20 volunteers and freelance tutors, and 2,000 supporters.
Competitive ‘Scale up’ funding and business support from Lloyds Bank, School for Social Entrepreneurs and The Big Lottery will allow Remade to pilot a social franchise programme which will offer training and support to other community groups and organisations.
Remade’s Founder and Director Sophie Unwin said: “The ultimate vision is to see a Remakery in every city across the UK – starting with two pilot projects. We want to help repair come back into fashion and make it mainstream. Our innovative business model has grown each year – we think it’s an idea whose time has come. Repair education creates many more skilled jobs than recycling, builds relationships in the community and is good for the planet. “
Remade’s computer expert Sotiris Katsimpas says “Too often people throw their technology away when, with a bit of knowledge, their existing kit can be fixed. At Remade we show people how to extend the life of their machines, saving them money and teaching them new skills in the process.”
Edinburgh Councillor Alex Lunn has supported the project from its early days when it started with £60 and a group of volunteers. He said: “If the economic malaise of the last few years has shown us anything it’s that we need to change. The Remakery is a practical step towards economic and environmental sustainability. It’s also a huge opportunity for teaching and employability opportunities.”
New pilot opportunities are currently being identified, with possibilities emerging in Glasgow, Manchester, Dumfries and Devon.
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