• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Monday November 18 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Two women take the helm at award-winning tech recycling firm Green Machine

Two women are to take the helm at award-winning tech recycling firm Green Machine.

Natalie King-Barnard is to take the role of managing director at the Swindon-based firm, with Marie Crisp – the wife of company founder Simon – taking the role of director of operations.

It is rare to find women at the head of tech companies. Nationally, only 29 per cent of jobs in the sector are occupied by women – and far fewer at senior level.

Having started Green Machine in 2011 after he lost his job as a support manager with computer giant IBM, and growing it into a leading tech recycling company with national reach, Simon has decided to pursue other interests – including the village pub he bought last year.

Simon said: “I started Green Machine because I was frustrated by the way that large firms disposed of PCs and laptops that were better than many people have at home. I realised there was a business opportunity in securely wiping tech, refurbishing devices, and selling or donating them to those who needed them.”

When collecting, refurbishing and reselling tech became too much for Simon on his own, he started training the next generation of IT technicians through Green Machine’s own highly-respected training hub, which gave young apprentices valuable work experience and qualifications.

And when the pandemic hit, Green Machine strived to make sure no child was left behind in the digital divide, by providing refurbished laptops and tablets donated by individuals and companies to disadvantaged children struggling with homeschooling.

In total, the team were able to redistribute around 600 laptops to children in need throughout the 2020 lockdowns.

The initiative helped Simon achieve a lifelong ambition when he was awarded a coveted Blue Peter Badge for his ‘long-term commitment to ending digital poverty’.

It is rare for over-15s to be awarded the honour.

As Simon steps away from the day-to-day running of the businesses – which has diverted millions of tonnes of tech waste from landfill over 13 years –  he says Green Machine is in the best hands with the promotion of Natalie – who joined the firm as a digital marketing apprentice in 2020 and Marie to the top team.

“Marie’s unwavering support and belief in me from day one – even with my craziest ideas – has been fundamental in making Green Machine what it is today. I couldn’t have done this without her,” said Simon.

And on Natalie’s appointment, he said: “A few years ago, I sat at the back of a conference room, watching Natalie speak passionately about Green Machine’s mission.

“Her words gave me goosebumps, and I knew she was the right person to lead this company into the future.

“She understands our purpose deeply and shares the same drive and commitment that has guided us from the beginning.”

On her appointment, Natalie said: “I’m really excited to see what the future holds for Green Machine. In the time that I have been with the company, I have seen the positive effect it can make in so many lives, and I want to keep this momentum going as the business continues to develop.

“The plan for now is to keep doing what we do best and building on the strong foundations that Simon has laid for us.

“We have a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, and I anticipate another busy year in 2025.

“The need for our secure IT recycling service will only continue to increase as our reliance on technology grows.

“People need a place that they can trust to do right by their tech; they are starting to understand the disastrous impact of e-waste, and they want to dispose of it safely.

So far this year, the team has processed more than 23,000 items of tech at its recycling facility – beating last year’s record-breaking total of items.

The company has also donated approx. £20,000 of devices to people in need through their partnered CIC, The Tech Hub Project.

Charities that received tech from Green Machine this year include Ukrainian refugees, Olive Branch Counselling, Action Through Enterprise Ghana, Youth Adventure Trust, Home Start North Wiltshire, Mikeysline, and more.

In July, the company won the Excellence in Sustainability award at the Thames Valley Business Awards. The trophy sits next to the award for Commitment to the Community, which Green Machine won at the same competition in 2023.

Well known in the business community, friends will be able to keep in touch with Simon by paying visit to The Crown, 18th-century village pub in the picturesque village of Aldbourne which he bought earlier this year.

The free house, which was home to the US Army’s 506th Parachute Regiment – the inspiration for hit TV series Band of Brothers – during the second world war is quickly gaining a reputation for its carefully curated selection of real ales and home-cooked food made with fresh, local ingredients.

Simon also wants to build the accommodation side of the business – the pub has five cosy bedrooms – and entertainment like live music and quiz nights.