Maxitech.biz Boss Gets Mayor's Award

Ethical computer recycling and WEEE Directive compliance for London UK.

October 10, 2005 -- On 13th September, London Mayor Ken Livingstone conferred Maxitech managing director Peter Paduh with the “London Day” certificate for year 2005 for improving the community of London through his entrepreneurial skills. The mayor presents this award every year to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the “Life in London.”

Paduh received the distinction in recognition of his commitment to environmental and social stewardship through his two-year-old social enterprise, Maxitech.biz Limited. The company pioneers in providing Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive approved solutions to legal, environmental, social and cost issues of disposing redundant electronic equipments. Instead of dumping WEEE in landfills, it is refurbished to strict standards and reused for others’ benefit. With a Hornsey WEEE London facility -backed by London Waste Action, London Development Agency, London Remade and Haringey and Camden councils- opening soon, Maxitech intends to process 9000 tonnes of WEEE each year by 2007. Paduh says, “With today’s society becoming more dependent on computerized technologies, there is the growing concern for upgrading and disposal of unwanted and outdated equipment. In this way, Maxitech provides cost-effective and easy solutions to clients, while benefiting the society
and the environment.”

Apart from helping companies boost their corporate social responsibilities, Maxitech is also committed to social inclusion by offering about 100 IT training opportunities to inexperienced jobseekers from all social and racial backgrounds. Maxitech is looking to accommodate 200 trainees in 2007. Paduh believes these work placement schemes will help give trainees relevant work experience and a competitive advantage to better their chances in landing jobs in the future as the job market grows more competitive.

While being a successful business, Maxitech further enhances “Life in London” by donating computers to different charities including Lewisham Disability Coalition, West Dorset Mental Health Forum, Prospex, Earlham Primary School, Age Concern Islington, as well as through local authorities namely Haringey and Camden. An ongoing project with Haringey Council scheduled this October will benefit about 300 local charities.

Secretary of State Margaret Beckett MP wrote to Paduh, “Maxitech.biz must be congratulated on adopting a proactive approach to the WEEE Directive and in providing training and employment opportunities in this field for unemployed people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I am sure that facilities like Maxitech.biz will be key to fulfilling the UK’s obligations under the WEEE Directive to reuse, treat and recycle waste electrical equipment; and I wish you all the best.”

According to the Mayor, the award not only intends to recognize individual talents, but also to serve as inspiration and encouragement to others. The award ceremony was initially scheduled last July in line with the celebration of the inauguration of the Greater London Authority, but was postponed due to the London bombings.

Meanwhile, Paduh has also been short listed for the London Business Awards 2005, in the “Young Business Person of the Year” category, which highlights “the drive and talent” of young businessmen. The event, hosted by the London Chamber of Commerce, will be held in October. Recently, he was short-listed in the New Statesman Up Starts 2005 Awards’ “Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year,” in the same category as Jamie Oliver, while Maxitech was named in the HSBC Start-UP Stars Final 50.

Website: www.maxitech.biz

Additional Information

Maxitech is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reusing and recycling redundant IT and electronic equipment. Maxitech is based in London, but can arrange for the nationwide collection of IT and electronic equipment at a low cost. Maxitech’s priority is to ensure that equipment received is re-used, thus prolonging its lifespan and minimizing waste. It is involved in providing training to unemployed and disadvantaged youths within the local community. It has received several distinctions this year including HSBC Start-up Stars Final 50 Shortlist, New Statesman Up Starts Awards nominee and London Business Awards finalist.

For further information and pictures visit www.maxitech.biz, or contact the Communications Department.

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