Bridging the Digital Divide: John Hastings' Journey with Recycle-IT!

Founded by John Hastings in 2021, Recycle-IT! (Bolton) CIC is an innovative social enterprise based in Bolton. Its mission is to bridge the digital divide and reduce electronic waste by refurbishing and redistributing IT equipment to the local community. John's journey—from overcoming personal challenges to leading this impactful initiative—demonstrates his commitment to social and environmental causes. Through creative recycling and upcycling practices, Recycle-IT! not only promotes digital inclusion but also fosters community engagement and sustainability in Bolton.

Let's sit down with John as he shares his business journey and how GM Business Growth Hub became his mentor and partner, working hand in hand with the community.

Hi John, could you please introduce yourself and share your personal journey? Why did you choose to start a social enterprise focused on recycling IT equipment in Bolton?

John: My journey to founding Recycle-IT! (Bolton) CIC has been quite an adventure. I've always had a passion for electronics, ever since I was a kid taking apart my ZX Spectrum. However, my path wasn't straightforward. I faced significant challenges, including being diagnosed with ADHD and experiencing incarceration. These experiences shaped me and provided me with a unique perspective on life.

During a difficult period, I had an epiphany: I realized I needed to use my skills to create something meaningful. I noticed two pressing issues: the massive amount of electronic waste and the digital divide that affects many people. This realization inspired me to start Recycle-IT! in 2021. Our mission is to refurbish and redistribute IT equipment to those in need, thereby reducing e-waste and promoting digital inclusion.

Bolton was the perfect place to launch this initiative. It's a community with a lot of heart and a significant need for digital resources. By establishing ourselves here, we could directly address local needs and make a tangible impact.

Recycle-IT! is more than just a business; it's a way to give back to the community, help the environment, and inspire others to see the value in what might otherwise be discarded.

Can you explain how Recycle-IT! operated? What is its business model, and what major challenges did you and your company face in the early stages?

Recycle-IT! operates with a clear mission: to bridge the digital divide and reduce electronic waste. Our business model focuses on collecting unwanted IT equipment from businesses and, in the near future, from households as well. We refurbish these items and either sell them at significantly reduced prices or donate them to those in need. For equipment that cannot be refurbished, we dismantle it and recycle the parts and materials.

In the early stages, we faced several significant challenges. One of the biggest was translating my vision into a viable business. While I had the technical skills and passion, I needed to learn about business management, finance, and strategic planning. Another major challenge was securing funding without taking on debt. We started with minimal resources—just one laptop, one workbench, and £250 in seed funding.

Additionally, we had to navigate the complexities of the recycling industry, which included obtaining the necessary licenses and meeting regulatory requirements. Building a network of partners and supporters was also crucial, as we needed to establish trust and credibility within the community and among potential clients.

I understand you have joined the Start Smart and EnterprisingYou programme the GM Business Growth Hub offers. How did you learn about the Hub and these programmes? What support have they provided, and how have they helped you overcome those challenges you've faced?

I first learned about the GM Business Growth Hub and its programmes while researching how to start a social enterprise in Manchester. It's hard to miss the Hub if you're looking to establish a community organization or social enterprise in this area; its reputation and the range of support it offers are widely known.

Joining the Start Smart and EnterprisingYou programmes was a game-changer for me and Recycle-IT!. These programmes provided invaluable support in several key areas. Firstly, they offered mentorship and guidance, which helped me turn my vision into a viable business plan. Although I had the technical skills and passion, I needed to learn about business management, finance, and strategic planning. The workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions were crucial in building this knowledge.

Financial planning was another significant area where the Hub's support made a difference. They assisted us with cash flow forecasting and introduced us to tools like QuickBooks, which have been essential for our financial tracking and management. This support was vital, especially since we started with minimal resources and needed to manage our finances carefully to avoid taking on debt.

The Hub also helped us navigate the complexities of the recycling industry. They advised us on obtaining the necessary licenses and meeting regulatory requirements, which can be a significant hurdle in the early stages. Additionally, they encouraged us to connect with other companies in the industry, helping us build partnerships and gain insights into best practices.

Overall, the support from the GM Business Growth Hub has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges we faced in the early stages. Their guidance and resources have helped us grow from a small startup to a recognized social enterprise, making a tangible impact on the environment and digital inclusion in Bolton.

What is your experience working with the Hub, and would you recommend it to others facing similar challenges for support?

My experience with the GM Business Growth Hub has been extremely positive. From the moment I reached out, they provided a wealth of resources and support that were crucial in launching Recycle-IT! The mentorship and guidance I received helped me navigate the complexities of starting and running a social enterprise. They offered practical advice on everything from business planning to financial management, which was invaluable given my background and the challenges we faced.

The workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions were particularly beneficial. They not only equipped me with essential skills but also boosted my confidence in managing the business. The Hub's team was always approachable and ready to help, making the entire process much smoother.

I highly recommend the GM Business Growth Hub to anyone facing similar challenges. Their support can make a significant difference, especially for those who are passionate about their ideas but may lack the business acumen to bring them to fruition. The Hub provides a solid foundation and the tools needed to turn a vision into reality. If you're looking to start or grow a social enterprise, the GM Business Growth Hub is an excellent resource to consider.