Lancaster-based ICT Reverse have recently felt the benefits of working with UCLan’s Eco-I North West project, improving their sustainability processes.
Eco-I North West (NW) is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and aims to support SMEs as they undertake low-carbon business innovations.
ICT Reverse is one of the UK’s leading, fully accredited providers of reverse logistics for all ICT data bearing assets. The company already has a big focus on being environmentally friendly but are always looking for ways to improve further. Craig Smith, Managing Director at ICT Reverse, discovered the fully-funded Eco-I NW project through conversations with Professor Karl Williams, Director for Waste Management at the University, at an event Karl had held. Craig was approached by Alison Holden the Business Engagement Officer for ECO-I NW to see if they could help. Craig stated: ‘’We wanted to be able to unlock the knowledge and resource within UCLan to assist with more efficient and environmentally friendly processes and operations.’’
Through Eco-I NW, a student was employed to complete 140 hours of research, aimed specifically around evaluating the impact of ICT Reverse’s waste. On completion of the research, the student delivered a report to the board with recommendations for ways in the business could make changes to lower their carbon footprint. Craig saw the benefit in: ‘’Having a fresh pair of eyes’’ looking at what they could do better and plans to implement some of the findings to both save money and improve environmentally.
Craig commended the professionalism of the student, saying: ‘’They were informative and supportive without being judgemental of processes that are in place because of resource limitations.’’ When asked about whether other businesses should contact the Eco-I NW team, Craig responded: ‘’Just go for it, you will not regret it!’’
"They were informative and supportive without being judgemental of processes that are in place because of resource limitations."
— Craig Smith, Managing Director at ICT Reverse
The other major advantage from engaging with Eco-I NW is the development of partnership working between the business and the University. This means that the company will still receive advice and support which will allow them to continue with their adoption of low carbon practices. Professor Karl Williams added “this is only the start of the journey for ICT and they now have support and opportunities with the university to achieve their long-term carbon goals”
Eco-I North West is led by Lancaster University in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the University of Cumbria, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University, the programme will save an estimated 3,850 tonnes of carbon emissions and enable businesses right across North West England to capitalise from the region’s extensive knowledge base and cutting-edge research facilities and skills.
As the government funding for this project ended on 30 June 2023 please visit the Centre for Waste Management page for more information. For any other support for your business please contact our Business Enquiries Team or call us on +44 (0) 1772 895500. This support could be related to your research, development, training and consultancy needs.
