ReCognition Circular, based at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham, is expanding its work with businesses across the West Midlands to re-use IT equipment, support local employment, and increase access to digital tools. The organisation is refurbishing devices such as iMacs and Mac minis, which are then made available at discounted rates to individuals and organisations that need them.
The activity comes as Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, visited ReCognition Circular to hear first-hand about its work. During the visit, he met students from University College Birmingham completing placements with the organisation, as well as a graduate of its repair course now employed there. They told him how the organisation is, in their words, “changing lives for the better.”
The visit took place at a time when ReCognition Circular is expanding partnerships with companies aiming to reduce waste and demonstrate social value in procurement processes. Under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Procurement Act 2023, public sector buyers must consider wider social and environmental benefits when awarding contracts. Central government contracts include a minimum 10% weighting for social value.
Co-founder David Abosch emphasised the wider impact of ReCognition Circular’s work, saying:
“A key aspect of Recognition Circular is ensuring that everyone has the skills and access needed to participate in the digital economy. This includes expanding broadband access providing training programs that cater to diverse needs. By bridging the digital divide, the region is empowering its residents to become active participants in the circular economy. No one should be left behind.
“Recognition Circular is not solely about safeguarding the environment. It’s about building a more resilient and equitable region where everyone can thrive by understanding and then reusing or repurposing digital devises. By investing in our existing digital infrastructure and promoting circular economy practices, the West Midlands will shape a future that is both sustainable and inclusive for places, people and planet.”
A recent example of Recognition Circular’s skills development success is Trident Group which engages with vulnerable citizens in Birmingham with multiple barriers, including those at risk of homelessness, victims and survivors of domestic abuse, people with addiction issues and those with LD and disabilities. “Our participants are often not able to access training, education and employment due to their complex barriers and often feel excluded because of this. The PURE project team with Trident were able to partner with ReCognition to refer our participants with a keen interest in IT and repairing of digital equipment to courses designed to integrate them into training with support and build on their passion and interests to help them learn new skills in a practical learning environment. ReCognition helped them on the path to build their confidence, self esteem and communication skills and to see the difference the course made from day 1 to the end was truly inspiring.
“The support and understanding from David, Callum and the team in how to get the best from the participants was powerful and the impact has meant that many now consider further training and employment a realistic goal that they can achieve with the right support! Keep up the great work and we are hopeful we can deliver another cohort for PURE on this phase of funding.”
ReCognition Circular supports businesses through its “Digital 3 R’s” approach:
- ReTrains vulnerable individuals to return to the workforce.
- ReUses materials and resources to reduce digital waste.
- RePurposes computers and mobile devices to keep them in use.
Through these projects, more local people can access technology for job applications, education, and essential services, while companies benefit from reports quantifying the environmental and social outcomes of their involvement.
For partnership enquiries, including details about refurbished iMacs and Mac minis, businesses can call Neil or David on 0121 5163949 or email info@recognition-circular.org.
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