Commercial ‘part of the club’ as ITSA Digital Community founding member

Tackling the digital divide

Commercial have reinforced their commitment to ITSA and reducing the digital divide by becoming a Founding Member of the ITSA Digital Community business club.  

The business club is the initiative of the ITSA Digital Trust (ITSA), a UK-registered charity which provides technology to those most in need.  

As technology shapes the world of today and tomorrow, it is more crucial than ever that we ensure digital education is available to all. From Africa to right here in the UK.  

By refurbishing unwanted computers, used devices are saved from landfill, recycled and reused. Appropriate, working equipment is then sent by ITSA for use in schools in Africa, as well as to charities and people in need in the UK.  Unsuitable or specialist equipment is sold, with the proceeds going back into the charity.

Digital access at home and abroad

ITSA also supports people in the UK with free IT skills support and opportunities. This includes in schools, community spaces, charities, at its premises and in prison workshops. These programmes help to improve skills and confidence in technology for those who may previously have had no access or knowledge.  

Since 2004, ITSA have recycled over 132,000 computers, providing access to digital technology for more than 6 million individuals. They have also trained nearly 2,000 teachers. 

Founding Members of the business club such as Commercial and other partners can rely upon stringent procedures and Data Erasure Certificates. This ensures that the machines being sent for recycling are wiped of any and all potentially sensitive company information.  

Geoffrey Newsome, Chief Executive at ITSA said: “Commercial, the Commercial Foundation and the ITSA Digital Trust have long shared the aims of providing life-improving opportunities for people and of protecting the planet.   

“Within the ITSA Digital Community business club, Commercial, ITSA and other members are able to provide more opportunities to even more people. Opportunities in our own organisations, with our partners, in communities in the UK and in schools in Africa.  

“Membership of the club means we can continue to improve many more lives for the better.”    

Championing sustainable causes

Commercial and ITSA share a commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The two will be working together to improve digital competence not only at home in the UK but also afar. ITSA operate in countries like Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  

Simone Hindmarch, Co-founder and Managing Director for Commercial, said: “We are delighted to be a Founding Member of the ITSA Digital Community. We are committed to making the most of this partnership for the benefit of underprivileged groups in the UK and Africa.  

“The work that the ITSA Digital Trust does is vital in reducing the digital divide both in this country and afar. For us to be able to take full advantage of such a partnership and create vast amounts of social value is amazing.  

“We’re excited to continue working in tandem with ITSA spreading access to digital technology where it is needed most. This also represents another opportunity to reduce our impact on the environment by repurposing our old equipment.”