WEEE Will Overcome - Maxitech.biz (Computer Recycling, London UK Company) Director Shortlisted for New Statesman 'Upstarts' 2005 UK Award

Maxitech.biz (Computer Recycling, London UK Company)

(PRWEB) February 13, 2005 -- At the age of 15, Peter Paduh had just arrived in the UK as a war refugee. Just over a decade later, his determination to succeed and his commitment to repay his debt to society through his company Maxitech has led to his nomination for a prestigious UK award for young social entrepreneurs. An ethical, and practical, UK solution for disposing of redundant electronic equipment is offered by Maxitech.biz, in response to the WEEE Directive which comes into force in 2005. The directive will require that redundant electrical equipment is re-used or recycled and not dumped. The New Statesman Upstarts Awards were launched in 2001 to promote the idea of sociall business. The awards aim to encourage, recognise and reward individuals and enterprises which have addressed social issues within the community such as unemployment and social exclusion.

Peter Paduh said, "Coming from a disadvantaged background myself, I understand the importance of being given a chance to succeed. My life could have been very different without the assistance and guidance of social workers, teachers and other good Samaritans. "As a social enterprise, Maxitech provides training to the unemployed; a minimum of 60% of our trainees are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to be one of the leading authorities on environmental and socially responsible re-use of redundant electrical and electronic equipment.

In our first year of trading, we provided valuable hands-on training to over 25 long-term unemployed individuals. With our assistance, most of them obtained nationally accredited qualifications and offers of employment." One of the trainees to benefit from Peter's vision is Derek. After being made redundant by a telecommunications manufacturer in 2001, Derek found it difficult as a man in his fifties to obtain employment in a declining industry. With six children and a wife who was also not working, Derek spent the next three years on Jobseeker's Allowance and retraining into the IT industry.

In 2004, Derek was referred by a tutor to Maxitech for a work placement. Soon, he was back in a working environment gaining experience and valuable knowledge. After six months, his performance and dedication impressed Maxitech into offering him a senior position within the company as a warehouse manager.

Despite this public recognition of his efforts, Peter will not be resting on his laurels. Already he has ambitious new plans to take on 100 trainees and to employ up to 25 more people in the course of the New Year. The shortlist for the award of Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year and for the other awards were announced last week. Other shortlisted nominees for awards include Jamie Oliver and The Body Shop.

Further information about responsible recycling and the WEEE Directive can be found at www.maxitech.biz

Notes to Editors: Maxitech.biz is a multi-award-winning, socially and environmentally focused company dedicated to reusing and recycling redundant IT and electronic equipment. Based in London, the company can arrange for the nationwide collection of IT and electronic equipment at low cost. Maxitech's preference is to reuse equipment received, thus prolonging its lifespan, minimising waste and benefiting charities and community groups who receive low-cost or free IT equipment. Maxitech provides more than 100 training opportunities each year for refugees and long-term unemployed people through its Edge Employer Award winning programme, to help them get into full-time employment. For further information visit www.maxitech.biz

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