Empowering communities through tech: The story of DonateIT and BlackmoreUK

Simon Barfoot founded BlackmoreUK in 1996 as a sole trader in Wincanton, Somerset. Today, BlackmoreUK operates a 22,000 sq ft processing centre near Warminster with 50 staff. Simon’s commitment to sustainability and reducing electronic waste has been central to the company’s growth over the past 27 years.

BlackmoreUK is renowned for its high-level certifications in data destruction, IT recycling and management systems, including being the first UK company to achieve DIAL 3 with Distinction to ADISA Standard 8.0.

Donate IT, is a Somerset-based charity which refurbishes and donates digital devices to those in need, aiming to bridge the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of digital access, prompting Simon and former Somerset Councillor Sarah Dyke (now MP for Glastonbury and Somerton) to provide refurbished laptops to families in need. This initiative led to the formation of Donate IT, which has since distributed over 1,750 digital devices to various recipients, including schoolchildren and families from conflict zones.

Donate IT operates without grant funding, relying on revenue from selling non-reusable equipment for recycling and support from BlackmoreUK. Recently, the Somerset Community Foundation awarded a £5,000 grant to the charity, enhancing its operations.

The charity’s model involves collecting, refurbishing and redistributing unwanted devices, with non-reusable items recycled through accredited channels. This approach not only provides technical jobs in rural areas, but also supports the UK circular economy by recycling electronic waste.

Donate IT partners with local councils, schools and community groups to ensure devices reach those in need. The charity also collaborates with our FiXY project, promoting repair and reuse.

Looking ahead, Donate IT aims to expand its impact to reducing digital exclusion and contributing to the circular economy. The charity’s model benefits the environment, creates local jobs and provides essential digital access to underserved communities.

If you have unwanted computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, etc., which you’d like to donate, visit donateit.co.uk to find your nearest digital drop-off location.