Many of these were on low incomes, such as the refugees, young people in the care system, the homeless, the elderly and disabled people. Without access to devices and the internet, there is a severe barrier to gaining employment, connecting with family and friends, managing finances, researching important information and accessing cheaper deals for utilities and shopping. 

As part of our commitment to giving back to communities and closing the digital divide, earlier this year we came up with Re-Tech. A concept that would bring together contacts who could support the restoration and distribution of devices, coupled with the essential drop off, storage and device restoration site and support that Propel Tech could provide, along with a marketing campaign to drive awareness. 

To assist in the restoration and distribution of the devices, we approached Wakefield-based Chris Lord, who has been reconfiguring old tech for local families in need for the past three years, creating a workshop in our building where Chris could carry out the wor

To support the drive, we devised a multi-layered communications approach

We have engaged directly with our clients, associates and supporters attracting immediate interest from local businesses and individuals, including labour MP for Wakefield, Simon Lightwood. Simon has actively supported the campaign with introductions to companies such as The Good Things Foundation, which runs a data bank for people experiencing hardship, as well as providing photos and quotes for PR activity and spreading the word to businesses in the constituency.

 

We have also conducted local PR activity, resulting in strong press coverage, awareness and action, social media comms, featuring quotes, stats and a clear call to action, as well as links to coverage, and reminded our network about the campaign in our regular blogs, such as this one, and newsletters to keep it in mind.

Results

Re-Tech has been well received by the local business community, with numerous companies donating (or committing to donate) old laptops and technology. The devices have been distributed to a wide range of recipients, including Disability Sports Yorkshire, as well as schools and low-income families, all of whom benefit greatly from having access to the technology they need. 

We are committed to continuing the Re-Tech initiative in 2024 and beyond. As a business, we see the Re-Tech initiative continuing to grow in pace as more and more businesses agree to donate their old devices to the cause on a long-term basis. This will provide people and organisiations who need them most with the devices and internet access they need to move forward.

Case studies

Essential laptops for Disability Sports Yorkshire 

In July 2024, six refurbished laptops, all equipped with the latest Windows 11, were donated to Disability Sport Yorkshire. 

Disability Sport Yorkshire is committed to making Yorkshire the best place in England for disabled people to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity, engage in active recreation and sport regularly, and be recognised and included in the sport sector. These laptops will make a significant difference to their operations, allowing the team to work and communicate together efficiently and effectively.

Giving a small local start-up ‘Mama&Me’ a helping hand 

'Mama and Me Embroidery' in Wakefield, is a small business that creates embroidered products with a Yorkshire theme . Katy the founder, only started her new at the start of 2024, and it’s already going well.

Up until she was given her refurbished laptop, Katy’s been handling all her admin and marketing on a smartphone with a tiny screen. This laptop will not only make her work a lot easier but also give her the she needs to scale her business. It will enable her to sell her products online, control her stock, and even load the software she will need if she gets a bigger embroidery machine further down the line.

Simon Lightwood, Labour MP for Wakefield, said:

“Digital inclusion is critical for a fair and balanced society. I urge organisations to put aside some time to empty those cupboards, wipe their devices, and get them over to Propel Tech where it can work with its partners to get them back to good use. It’s recycling at its very best. I’m delighted to support companies and individuals doing their bit to give everyone access to essential technology.”

To donate your old devices, including laptops, tablets, and smart phones under 10 years old, please complete this donation form. We can take anything from one to 100 devices. Thank you.