This Cheshire firm sells used and ex-display kitchens, and has just scooped a top award for its role in reducing carbon footprint.
Used Kitchen Exchange (UKE) is the UK’s largest kitchen discount website selling approved used and ex-display kitchens and items such as cabinets and appliances.
The Widnes business won gold at the Global Good Awards, an ethically-focussed ceremony recognising those working towards a better world for people, planet and global economy.
Among those also shortlisted were household names like BAE Systems, WWF, Marks and Spencer, Companies House, NSPCC and O2.
But it was UKE that won gold at the ceremony in London last week for its profit with purpose service.
After receiving the award, UKE founder Helen Lord told Business Live: “Reducing carbon is at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment, so we are delighted to be recognised nationally for our contribution to this.
"All too often people who are buying a new kitchen don’t know that they could sell their current one. The car industry have been selling used cars for years, we are here to show people you can do the same with kitchens.
"This is a humbling accolade. Within any business, it’s easy to see if you are doing well financially, but to know you are contributing to a better world is just sublime. I am very proud to say that our business proves that a new kitchen needn’t cost the earth, financially or environmentally.”
UKE was launched in 2016, and claims to offer home owners a hassle-free way to sell or buy an underused kitchen.
Judge Georgina Wilson-Powell described UKE as "an industry disruptor, with impressive scale and measured impact".
Interior designer and UKE customer ambassador, Linda Barker, said: “Even the most beautiful kitchens may outlive their usefulness in your home, but that doesn’t mean there’s no more life left in them.
"Too many of us are persuaded that the only destination for a used kitchen is the skip, and what that means is the ecological tragedy of landfill, carbon emissions and a waste of your money. I am incredibly proud to be working with this forward-thinking business and in doing so changing the way people are thinking about kitchens. "
