01962 854971
Become a member

Login
  • About
    • Who we are
    • Team
    • Trustees
  • What we do
    • Guiding and representing you
    • Training and development support
    • Research and engagement expertise
    • Social enterprise expertise
    • Community buildings expertise
    • Policy and information sharing
    • Hampshire Homes Hub – community housing expertise
    • Jobs & Volunteering
    • Room & Desk Hire
    • Projects
  • Case Studies
  • News
    • News, Blogs & Events
  • Contact
  • Become a member

Blogs

Home / News, Blogs & Events / Blogs / Member of the Month // Back of the Sofa

Filter by:

  • What we do
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Information

Member of the Month // Back of the Sofa

‘Back of the Sofa’ is a free service that finds spare cash belonging to charities that they were previously unaware existed.

They offer advice and all the necessary forms for charities to apply for discounts on overheads, claim rebates and maximise available tax relief. They also offer fundraising ideas that do not rely on asking supporters to make further donations. The service is primarily aimed as an online tool for the hundreds of thousands of finance directors and volunteer treasurers working in the UK’s charity sector. However, founder Nick Heath is a Hampshire resident (Cheriton) and happy to talk to any local charity that would like help in identifying opportunities to boost their funds.

As well as how to save time and money when buying utilities, Back of the Sofa pinpoints where reductions may have been historically overlooked and can be reclaimed. Some charities, for example, are mistakenly charged the wrong rate of VAT on their energy bills and this, in turn, results in the Climate Change Levy (a tax on businesses) being automatically added on top. However in the majority of cases both of these overpayments can be backdated 4 years.

Energy Costs

Treasurers of charity and community buildings may like to know about a free & impartial advice service that Action Hampshire has met recently specifically to talk about energy costs.

‘Back of the Sofa’ helps charities of all shapes and sizes find extra money by getting the best deal for utilities and checking to see whether overpayments have been made incorrectly in the past. For example it has a VAT checker service that has helped village halls reclaim 4 years’ worth of VAT that their energy companies have billed them for by mistake. Nick Heath from Back of the Sofa said: “This is far more common than people realise and well worth looking into as it can result in thousands of pounds being returned.”

Back of the Sofa also helps those who want to see if they can switch to cheaper unit rates for their gas and electricity – either from their existing supplier or by entering a new contract with a different one. As well as comparing unit rates, it can advise on: standing charges, length of contract, Green energy options and which suppliers have better customer service. Anyone deciding to switch can opt to have this done for them – in which case Back of the Sofa would earn a commission, paid separately by the new supplier.

You can contact Back of the Sofa by:

  • Freephone 0808 1645 808
  • Email [email protected]
  • Facebook and Twitter @BOTSHQ
  • visiting Back of the Sofa website
Share this page

Author

Published
3.09.18

Contact us

02.12.20
Blogs
7 reasons journalists don’t respond to your press release
View Blogs
06.08.20
Blogs
Life is like an iceberg…they don’t tell you this when you are young!
View Blogs
10.06.20
Blogs
“Let’s shine a light on what is often hidden from the outside world!”
View Blogs
01.06.20
Blogs
There are challenges ahead for affordable housing, but also real opportunities…
View Blogs

Newsletter sign up

By signing up to this mailing list you are consenting to receive our bulletin which contains latest news, topics from our online forum and promotes our member of the month. This information is sent out on the 1st and 15th of every month.

  • Pamber parish council were really pleased with the support provided by Action Hampshire’s Rural Housing Enabler helping us through the development process. It was a good experience.

    Chris Goss, Pamber Parish Council
  • Action Hampshire has always been a useful font of information for us at Winchester Churches Nightshelter. Sue has always been really helpful, and I do find the updates from the ‘wider’ world to be of interest.

    Michèle Price, Winchester Churches Nightshelter
  • Having Action Hampshire as a point of reference, support and guidance is invaluable for small to medium sized charities like ourselves. Without them, we would be far less connected and less able to serve our beneficiaries in a meaningful and coordinated way.

    Juno Hollyhock, The Rose Road Association
  • I have found Action Hampshire to be truly innovative and forward thinking in their approach to their work and their passion for the voluntary and community sector is easily measured through their work to help improve the lives of all sections of the community.

    Grant Cornwell, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation
  • Action Hampshire are the most fantastic organisation and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with them. They are very positive and easy to work with, from Rachel’s warmth on the front desk all the way up to Sue’s vast knowledge and experience on the top floor.

    George Scott-Welsh, IncuHive

Become a member

Everything we do at Action Hampshire is in support of our amazing members. Join us today and access a membership package to suit your organisation, tailored to meet your needs and the needs of the people and communities you serve.

Become a member

Sign up to our newsletter

Find out what's happening at Action Hampshire
and how you can get involved

Sign up

Find us

Westgate Chambers
Staple Gardens
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8SR

01962 854971

Get directions

Quick links

  • Membership sign up
  • What we offer
  • Contact us

Site

  • Site map
  • Privacy policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use
  • Terms of business for membership

© Copyright 2021 Community Action Hampshire

Community Action Hampshire (trading as Action Hampshire and Action Portsmouth) is registered in England and Wales as a charity (no. 1053806) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 3162873)