• Swindon & Wiltshire People
• Monday September 2 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Green Machine celebrates reaching its teens with networking event and special green cocktail

Tech recycling firm Green Machine has celebrated reaching its teens with a networking event and special green cocktail at the company’s local pub.

Guests were treated to a bright green melon liqueur-based cocktail and barbecue at The Crown public house in Aldbourne, where they also enjoyed a barbecue and local guest ales from the free house.

The event was an opportunity for Green Machine founder Simon Crisp to thank customers, suppliers, and business contacts – and for guests to celebrate the company’s anniversary with the Green Machine team and meet some of the firm’s new employees.

Green Machine was established by entrepreneur Simon in 2011 after he lost his job as an IT consultant with computer giant IBM.

Frustrated by the way that large firms dispose of PCs and laptops which are better than many people have at home, Simon started collecting unwanted computers, wiping the hard drives, refurbishing them and offering them on as low-cost computers.

The initiative helped firms comply with recycling and data protection legislation, and keeping IT equipment out of landfill.

The firm soon started offering recycled tech to charities and schools too, and during the Covid-19 pandemic 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.

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.

The badge takes pride of place in a heaving trophy cabinet. Among the accolades won by the company, Green Machine has taken home titles from the last three Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce business awards – including Commitment to the Community in 2023 and Excellence in Sustainability in 2024. It also won the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award at the national Great British Business Awards.

Green Machine once again rose to the challenge of bridging the digital divide in 2023, providing laptops and tablets to Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.

In 2023 Green Machine donated over £25,000 worth of devices to people in need. Charities that received tech from Green Machine included Julia’s House, The Nelson Trust, Action Through Enterprise, and Prospect.

Simon also wanted to establish Green Machine as a training hub for young people, and early on started to offer apprenticeships in IT, recycling, and business services.

So far this year, the team has processed more than 15,000 pieces of tech at its recycling facility – putting the firm on course to beat 2023’s 23,000 items.

Latest: Tech recycling firm shortlisted in UK Social Enterprise Awards 2024