Natalie King-Barnard is sharing what’s been happening in July for Green Machine Computers

It’s July which is the second summer month and one which has a real sporty feel – including the Wimbledon, British Open Golf and the Tour de France! This month we’re talking to SME owners locally, regionally and nationally about the events happening within their business this month.

Up today is Natalie King-Barnard, head of sales and marketing for Green Machine Computers which is a technology recycling facility based in Wiltshire. They work with corporations of any sizes to relieve them of their obsolete IT equipment; ensuring 100% data security in the process. In doing so, they help those businesses reduce their carbon footprint, free up space in their offices, and remain GDPR compliant, whilst giving them the satisfaction of knowing that their unwanted equipment will go on to benefit less fortunate people.

What are your plans for July in your business?

July is shaping up to be a very exciting month for us at Green Machine. We have a high demand for computer recycling this month mostly due to businesses and schools wanting to dispose of their excess hardware before the Summer holidays. In addition to the many collections we have scheduled, we also exhibited at the Great British Business Expos in Swindon on the 20th. Along with around 70 other businesses, we showcased our services at the iconic STEAM Museum.

What are your personal plans for this month?

The nice weather has brought many great networking opportunities, so I’ve been busy meeting lots of new people around Wiltshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. In July, I’ll be attending networking business banner events in Newbury and Oxford with the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, as well as visiting Berkshire Media to record a show for their channels.

Does July hold any particular significance for you or your business?

It is our Managing Director’s birthday in July, so no doubt the team will be out celebrating with him. Plus, our company anniversary is in August, so we’ll be planning for that, so watch this space!

On a much lighter note, July 17 was World Emoji Day and this often trends on social media. What do you think of emojis?

I do like an emoji, but not too many at once. As head of the marketing team, I encourage the use of applicable emojis (some channels more than others), because it helps to make content stand out. My most used emojis are the recycling symbol. and a good ole’ thumbs up.

Pro tip: for easy access, press the Windows key and full stop to get the emoji menu in any application

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too?

For me, I’d give a shout out to the Swindon Big Dog Art Trail. I attended the launch party for this great campaign and it’s been a pleasure to watch in grow and develop. For anyone near the area, I highly suggest walking the trail and checking out all the artwork. https://www.bigdogarttrail.co.uk/

As a consumer have you visited a local business, bought their products or services and thought ‘I must recommend them’! If so here’s your chance – what business would you recommend this summer?

A business that has been incredibly valuable to our growth and success is Outside Ideas. There are several arms to their organisation, including networking, workshops, coaching and mastermind groups; all of which are useful and actionable. I’d especially recommend their Mastermind9 groups – the community it builds around you is unbelievably supportive and beneficial to your business.

https://outside-ideas.com/

Have you got any events planned for the coming months which you’d like to mention?

It’s our company anniversary on the 25th of August – we’ll be turning 12! We’ll also be exhibiting at Reading with Great British Expos on the 12th of October.

Are you raising money for charity or volunteering this month in any way? 

We will continue to support disadvantaged members of our community throughout July and the rest of this year. Recently, we’ve been donating laptops and accessories to Ukrainian refugees living in Marlborough and West Berkshire. The requests for refurbished computer hardware are always coming in, so far this year we’ve managed to donate over £14000 worth of IT equipment to people in need, so we aim to at least match that figure for the second half of the year.

Anything else you’d like to say?

The first half of 2023 has been full of triumphs for Green Machine Computers. We have collected over 54 metric tonnes of e-waste so far this year and diverted it away from landfill, our donations have continued to fight digital poverty in the UK, plus, since January we have won 3 business awards. In addition to this, we’ve also helped individuals with their professional development. Our newest apprentice is flourishing in his role as IT technician and it won’t be long before he completes his course. Our digital marketing apprentice passed her course with distinction and we’re really pleased with the progress she has made since starting with us. We have also been hosting young people on work experience. It’s great to be able to support people on their professional journey and we’re looking forward to more of this in the future.

For more information visit https://greenmachinecomputers.com/