Westbury IT firm’s recycling scheme gets boost from Microsoft

A WESTBURY IT firm’s computer recycling scheme has been given a boost after the company was accepted onto the Microsoft Refurbisher Program.

Priority IT refurbish redundant and unwanted laptops and computers, which are then passed on to new owners in exchange for a donation to Wiltshire charity, Alzheimer’s Support.

 Now the Westbury-based firm has been accepted onto the Microsoft Refurbisher Program, it hopes to increase awareness about its initiative and so raise even more funds for the  charity.

 “For some time, we have been refurbishing redundant PCs and laptops – of course, wiping them clean first – which we then pass on for a suggested donation to raise money for Alzheimer’s Support,  said Priority IT managing director, Kieran Thomas. “This has already brought in about £2,000 for an excellent cause,” 

“Most of the computers coming through are Windows 7. With Windows 7 going end-of-life in January 2020, we decided it was time to get on the refurbisher program, so we can upgrade the operating system to Windows 10.

“We had to take an online test to be accepted onto the Microsoft program, which we successfully passed. Now we are listed as an official partner on the Microsoft website, we should be able to reach out to more people who are looking for a refurbished computer.” 

Helping to work on the refurbishment and upgrades is Trowbridge College student Harry Wareham, who is on work placement with the Priority IT team for two days a week.

Alzheimer’s Support CEO Babs Harris said, “We are delighted to be benefitting from this wonderful scheme which is recycling at its best. The money raised will help people living with dementia in Wiltshire to lead active, independent and meaningful lives. We need to raise £300,000 each year to support the services which make so much difference, so every penny helps. We are so grateful to Kieran and his team for supporting us.”

 Microsoft said, “Microsoft refurbisher partners are implementing innovative ways to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future for our planet, resulting in millions of PCs and all types of consumer end-of-life electronics recycling. A refurbished PC is great value when you buy from a Microsoft-authorized refurbisher—plus you have the added benefit of reducing e-waste worldwide.”

 Details of the PCs and laptops currently on offer – which include Lenovo Edge models – are available via Priority IT’s website at https://www.priorityIT.co.uk/, for a suggested donation of £50 each. The team also offer a secure data wipe service, again in aid of Alzheimer’s Support, for a donation of £20.

To contact Kieran and the Priority IT team phone 01225 636000, or email info@priority-it.co.uk. For more information about the work of Alzheimer’s Support visit www.alzheimerswiltshire .org.uk.

Above: Babs Harris (left) and Rachel Fear of Alzheimer’s Support, with Priority IT managing director, Kieran Thomas.