A new sports shop is opening up in Broadmead – with a difference. Sofab Sports has previously been an online sportswear retailer, founded ten years ago by local businessman Dale Rawlings, when he was just 16 – and now it is opening up its first physical store, in the empty premises in Broadmead’s main shopping street that was once occupied by Regatta outdoor clothes and equipment store.
But that’s only half the story – more than 60 per cent of Sofab’s workforce are the kind of people other businesses think twice about employing – they have a physical or mental disability, have previously been homeless or in prison, or are reforming and reintegrating back into mainstream society.
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Sofab is a not-for-profit community interest company which founder Dale Rawlins said prides itself on turning people’s lives around. Online, the business has grown into one of the top 400 sales stores on eBay, with more than 60 workers getting a step up onto the employment ladder, when others closed doors for them.
“We employ all sorts of people who have had issues in their lives, whether that be they may have been born with physical or learning disabilities, they may have been homeless at some point in their life, they might be ex-convicts or suffer with mental health issues, and we look to give them a step back onto the employment ladder,” explained Mr Rawlins.
“I just think it’s the right thing to do to be honest. I think you should be willing to support communities, and the big thing I always say to the big companies, whenever I get the chance to speak to them, is: ‘If you’re prepared to take these people’s money, then have stalls and shops in these communities, and you’re quite happy to welcome those people through your shop front and get them spending with you, why are you not willing to give back to them, through employment opportunities?” he added.
One of those whose life has taken a turn for the better is Scott Redi, who works as a warehouse operative. “I’m ex-army, and I used to enjoy a drink, and it got worse and worse, and I ended up in jail,” he said.
“This is the first job I’ve had I wake up early for, and think ‘right, come on, let’s go’. Because I’ve found jobs where I’ve got up and I’ve thought ‘oh god, I don’t want to be here’. Because it’s a good atmosphere here,” he added.
Sofab has grown into one of the biggest online sports goods manufacturers, sourced through the UK’s largest retailers and wholesalers. They sell products from a wide variety of sports, from football and rugby to American football and basketball, and all the big brands like Nike and Adidas.
“Sofab Sports is a social enterprise that exists purely on consumer trading and we do not ask for Government funding to support our company,” said a spokesperson for Sofab. “There is much more value in your purchase than the goods you receive, you are also allowing us to positively impact the futures of many lives.
“An integral goal of ours is to provide training and paid employment opportunities for individuals overcoming various hardships in their lives. At Sofab Sports, more than 60 per cent of our workforce have a physical or mental disability, have previously been homeless or are reforming and reintegrating back into mainstream society,” she said.
“We believe in inclusive employment and that all businesses should have a workforce demographic that reflects their customer base. We are proud to have employed and helped over 60 staff members who have been classed as furthest from the employment line transition into secure full time employment,” she added.