AXA turns ‘trash to treasure’ for small businesses across the country

• AXA Insurance launches unique iPhone application to help businesses give away (or ‘donate’), swap or sell unwanted items
• App designed to reduce financial and environmental waste at the click of a button
• Location based service enables users to find items by category and location to increase efficiency and ease of use

The app, called ‘Free, Swap, Sell,’ is the first of its kind enabling small businesses (and indeed, the general public), to give away, swap or sell surplus products or services at the touch of a button. It's available from the Apple Store.

Keith Hector, commercial distribution director at AXA Insurance said: “They say ‘one man's trash is another man's treasure’ and that's definitely true in both the commercial and consumer market. Whether it's excess electrical wire, unwanted office supplies or home furniture, the ‘Free, Swap, Sell’ app will enable users to search through unwanted listings by product and location to find that much-needed item.”

Working for businesses, and the environment

Defra's 2009 Waste Strategy Report¹ highlights that around 25 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste is deposited into landfill - over a third of the UK's overall total - and with the BIS Strategy for Sustainable Construction aiming to reduce this by 50%, it is clear businesses have a long way to go.

‘Free, Swap, Sell’ has been developed by AXA Insurance as part of its commitment to encourage environmentally responsible practices, allowing small businesses to benefit from each other's surplus products and reduce overall commercial waste levels.

Keith Hector continued, ”In time we hope to create a community online, within which significant reductions in costs and commercial waste for local businesses can help reduce the current drag on the economy, and the environment, through more efficient resource use.”

How it works

Getting rid of unwanted commercial goods has never been easier:

1. On launching the app, users will find Free, Swap, Sell items available nearby on easy-to-view Map and List screens
2. Users can show interest in items available and arrange for local pick up
3. Post a Free, Swap, Sell advert in less than 30 seconds along with a picture of the item.

Ambarish Mitra, head of innovation said “The app uses an algorithm to group items in the local area, making it easy for the user. Buyers, Swappers and Sellers can use the push notification messaging system of the app to privately communicate with each other without using text or email and that'll help them close an exchange in much shorter time than traditional online exchanges.”

¹ gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs