Project: Second Byte

Funding Allocated: £18,000

Second Byte was established in January 2000 by North Lindsey College and North Lincolnshire Council as a non-profit organisation to address the increasing problem of what to do with computer equipment that is no longer required. The project received a grant of £18,000 from Enventure over a period of three years, with landfill tax credit funding from Corus.

Second Byte IT uses redundant computers and printers to train local community members in how to use them, upgrade them and maintain them. The project was not only successful in tackling the increasing problem of ICFT equipment being disposed of inefficiently into landfills, but also provided community education and training, thus creating jobs.

Thanks to grant funding from organisations such as Enventure, since January 2000, Second Byte IT Ltd has been able to refurbish over 400 PC’s. These PC’s have been made available at low costs to schools, charities, voluntary groups, learners, low income families and community groups, and have aided in starting-up businesses in Northern Lincolnshire.

Second Byte IT also offers other services such as Portable Appliance Testing, PC systems servicing and leasing, web site advice and design for schools, charities, voluntary community groups and businesses at low cost.

Approximately 100 mature adult learners (mainly unemployed) have achieved a computer maintenance qualification and approximately 30 tonnes of ICT equipment has been delivered from landfills in Northern Lincolnshire since the scheme began.