EMERGE Recycling, a recycling company set up in 1998 is offering people in their local community the chance to “make a material difference in the heart of Greater Manchester”. They are looking for individuals and businesses to join their journey by buying community shares in the business and contributing to a new business plan over the next few years.
EMERGE Recycling started life in 1996 as a voluntary group, before becoming a limited company two years later. Located in Openshaw, East Manchester, the organisation recycles a plethora of items including cardboard, glass, metal, cables, cartridges, wood, and other waste disposal – and has been very much a pioneer in its field. The limited company was set up to “focus on practical recycling” as well as to “create local jobs” in the community.
EMERGE Recycling making a difference in Greater Manchester
The typical investor, EMERGE says, should be:
“Kind and compassionate … [and] who wants to make a difference and help their community in developing a more sustainable future.”
Rather than a means to make financial profit, the project is a way to support EMERGE and the sustainable work that they do.
EMERGE Recycling’s ultimate goal
The mission: “The more we take, the more we give.” In a post-pandemic Britain, EMERGE believes rebuilding the economy should be done in a sustainable, communal manner. The first step: recycling. The company points out that:
“Resource use has tripled over the last 50 years, yet 90% of the materials we use are still discarded. Perfectly reusable and recyclable waste is piling up, not just in landfills but into natural environments.”
Lucy Danger, the chief executive, says that EMERGE does not strive for financial profit, but for strong morals. The company wants to make the ‘real 3Rs’ – waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, “second nature”. For that reason, the team works closely with fellow charity, EMERGE 3Rs, which encourages resource conservation by reducing our waste, as well as supporting people to find employment and learn new skills.
What will the investment contribute towards?
A single investment in EMERGE will help build a new recycling depot inside Maynard House (their carbon neutral HQ), as well as fund greener vehicles and the company’s reliance on solar energy. Digitisation of the business will also enable greater operational efficiency, which requires more public investment.
An investment would also begin the process of securing ISO27001, a security management system which is often used to handle assets, intellectual property and private financial information of employees or clients.
In 2019, 800 tonnes of paper and card were recycled; 433 tonnes of wood were collected from building sites (with 33 percent being reused); EMERGE provided £593,288 of social return on investment; and 1,169 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided. An investment in EMERGE would be an investment in a greener, healthier future.
Investments would also encourage the public to follow the real 3Rs, galvanising change as we work to combat climate change.
Maximum and minimum investment
EMERGE has a target of £300k. Investments can start at £200, with the maximum amount investable being £30,000. Interest on the shares will be up to 4 percent, which would be payable in September 2025. The share offer document provides all the small print and details needed for those looking to invest.
HMRC has confirmed that shares in the offer will be eligible for SITR (social investment tax relief), meaning the investor benefits from 30 percent tax income relief.
Where will the money be directed?
The target investment of £300k would be split across three areas.
- £140k would be dedicated to recycling plant and processing equipment (including new infrastructure at Maynard House)
- £85k would be used for changes to infrastructure, compliance and organisation, namely a new workshop for charity, Touch Wood, and employment of a graduate sales team
- The final £75k would be directed towards the upgrading of their fleet to “minimise the environmental impact of transportation”.
The benefits for the investor
The benefits of investing in EMERGE are clear for the environment: encouraging recycling and more sustainable ways of living will work to combat climate change.
But investments will also benefit the investor. Being part of a broad community and local movement, as well as adding social value are on the list. You will also receive member news and have the chance to attend member-only events. Your voice will be heard at the annual general meeting, and you may also have the chance to stand as a director.
To find out more information and to make an investment, see here.
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