Two channel players scoop coveted King’s Award for Enterprise

Two UK channel firms have been awarded a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise thanks to their ongoing sustainability efforts.

Around 185 companies from all industries across the UK are awarded the accolade after being selected via a rigorous and gruelling entry process.

Basingstoke-based VAR Sumillion, which received the King’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category, has called for a fundamental shift in how organisations approach technology procurement.

The company focuses on extending the life of technology, improving use and ensuring responsible disposal. It also runs a Green Partnership Programme which supports clean water projects in Ghana and has provided safe drinking water to more than 85,000 people, alongside education initiatives that have distributed over 50,000 books, and improved digital access for pupils and families.

Speaking to CRN, John Rose, alliances director at Sumillion, said the firm was delighted with the award, particularly as it was its first attempt at entering.

“We applied last year and thought we would find out at the end of March but we hadn’t heard anything. Then the note came through. It is such a big award and a real game changer for us, particularly as we are celebrating our 10th year in June. To get this award you have to prove what you are doing is sustainable and it isn’t a one-off thing. Our company is built on this concept.”

Rose said there needs to be a ‘fundamental’ shift in the way IT procurement is handled.

“It needs to be part of the initial conversation because when everyone is carbon offsetting or buying carbon credits it is always dealing with the issue at the end of a project. We don’t do that. People are waking up to the fact that the environment is a big risk for business and you can’t sell laptops underwater. Sumillion has a good network of partners that we work with that bring us in early on in a project.”

David Manners, CEO of Sumillion, added: “Too many organisations are still buying IT in a way that creates unnecessary cost and waste. Sustainability is often treated as an afterthought rather than a core part of procurement. We have shown that it is possible to reduce impact, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes at the same time.”

Also celebrating a King’s Award for Enterprise for sustainability is B Corp-certified IT lifecycle and ITAD business KOcycle, recognised via the process for its many achievements including a zero-landfill pledge and digital inclusion programme.

Founded in 2018 and built on two key principles of sustainability and security, KOcycle offers IT lifecycle solutions that maximises the lifespan of technology. The firm is passionate about putting people and the planet first, helping its customers align with the highest security and sustainability standards and promoting reuse wherever possible to support the circular economy.

Oli Mason, founder and managing director of KOcycle, says: “This award is a true testament to the whole KOcycle team and our commitment to sustainability, social equity, environmental integrity and economic prosperity.

“I look back on our journey to this point with pride and look forward with excitement as we continue to work towards turning the world’s largest growing waste stream into a force for good.”

Mike Mclellan, managing director of KOcycle, adds: “The King’s Award for Enterprise is not just a reflection of what we’ve built as a business, but a powerful signal to our clients and partners that they are working with an organisation held to the highest standards.”

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