UK Enterprise Awards 2021

123 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Best New Community Interest Project 2021 - Greater Manchester MyOutsourcedIT are committed to equipping every disadvantaged home in the UK – in particular, those across the City of Manchester and its surrounding areas - with a laptop, desktop, or tablet to ensure no family are ever digitally excluded. To begin, Andy provides a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into its clientele. “Launched during the initial outbreak of COVID-19, we have to date outfitted more than 400 homes in Manchester, the North West and beyond with digital devices that would have otherwise been wastefully sitting in someone’s attic or spare room. Additionally, we have repaired more than 100 devices, free of charge and for families who could not afford to fix their malfunctioning machines”. When it comes to computer repairs, the firm often faces competition from several key players across Greater Manchester. However, in its attempts to offer clients a unique selling point, each of the firm’s offerings are free as Andy goes on to explain. “As a non-profit organisation, all money generated goes back into the project running costs and towards the purchasing of hardware. People initially think this is a scam, but they are genuinely surprised when they find out there is no bill to pay for their computer repairs. To further support our clients we are prepared to offer free training and advice to any project member”. Despite the outbreak of COVID-19, applications for computers continue to rise as Andy points out. “During March 2020 we were issuing one computer per week from donations, fast forward a year and that figure is now 18. Every time there is a lockdown or the mention of children working from home, we see requests and demand rocket”. Finally, Andy discusses the firm’s plans for recruitment before outlining some of its goals for the coming year and beyond. “Now things have settled, I’m only just beginning to look at employing more staff. Recruiting an apprentice will allow me to train someone else and hopefully inspire them to do a similar project of their own. Moving forward, I will be looking to co-ordinate with other companies and put more effort into generating funds by offering a home managed IT service”. “MyOutsourcedIT are committed to equipping every disadvantaged home in the UK – in particular, those across the City of Manchester and its surrounding areas - with a laptop, desktop, or tablet to ensure no family are ever digitally excluded.” Apr21226 Founded in March 2020, MyOutsourcedIT is a community project that aims to improve digital inclusion for people of all ages. Following its well-deserved success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2021, we got in touch with Andy Young to find out more. Company: MyOutsourcedIT Contact: Andy Young Email: [email protected] Web: www.myoutsourcedit.co.uk Address: The Sharp Project, Thorpe Road, Manchester, M40 5BJ