How can businesses cut costs, reduce e-waste, and improve sustainability without compromising performance?

In this episode of The Impact Files, we sit down with Daniel Ward-Murphy, Marketing Director at Circular Computing, a company challenging the assumption that organisations must always buy brand-new laptops.

Daniel shares how Circular Computing has developed a remanufacturing process that delivers laptops that are cosmetically, operationally, and in warranty terms equivalent to new devices, while significantly reducing environmental impact and cost.

The conversation explores the hidden sustainability challenge within the IT sector, from the minerals, water, and carbon required to manufacture laptops to the growing problem of electronic waste. Daniel explains why habit and perception remain the biggest barriers to change, and why organisations should rethink long-standing technology procurement practices.

We also discuss the commercial case for remanufactured technology, including potential savings of around 40% compared with equivalent new devices, as well as the role of public sector leadership in accelerating adoption. Daniel reflects on Circular Computing’s growth journey, the realities of scaling an impact-focused business, and the importance of maintaining a “no compromise” approach to quality.

Finally, he shares insights into the marketing challenge of driving behaviour change, why sustainability initiatives must often become the customer’s own idea, and his vision for a future where remanufactured technology becomes a mainstream choice for businesses worldwide.

Visit Circular Computing at: Circular Computing

Contact with Daniel at: linkedin.com/in/danielwardmurphy

In this episode, Ned and Ruth speak with Ben Schneider, CEO of ITGUYS, a London-based outsourced IT support provider serving around 50 organisations and managing hundreds of devices across the capital.

Ben shares his personal journey from childhood involvement with the Woodcraft Folk and a career in environmental organisations such as Friends of the Earth, to growing ITGUYS from a one-person bicycle-based operation into a purpose-driven business. He explains how environmental values have remained central throughout his career and ultimately led the company to become a certified B Corp.

The conversation explores the often-overlooked environmental impact of technology. Ben discusses practical ways organisations can reduce their technology footprint, including extending device lifecycles, improving recycling practices, reducing unnecessary data storage, and encouraging employees to switch devices off when not in use.

He also reflects on lessons learned from experimenting with remanufactured laptops. While the sustainability benefits were compelling, higher failure rates highlighted the importance of balancing environmental ambitions with client reliability and productivity.

The discussion examines how businesses can integrate sustainability into IT procurement and supplier selection, with examples including EcoSend, renewable-powered hosting providers, and alternative technology platforms with stronger environmental credentials.

Looking ahead, Ben predicts increasing regulation around technology circularity, device recycling, AI infrastructure, and carbon reporting. He argues that organisations must start viewing IT not only as an operational necessity but also as a strategic lever for sustainability.

His key message: sustainable IT is not about one quick fix. It requires a systems-thinking approach that balances performance, security, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility across the entire technology ecosystem.

Visit IT Guys at: https://www.itguys.com/

Connect with Ben: ben@itguys.com

In an inspirational story of personal and business development, Ned and Ruth speak with Kim Wilson, Founder and Managing Director of North South Wines. From a simple idea and a handful of suppliers to importing 20 million bottles annually and achieving £40 million turnover, Kim shares the remarkable background behind one of the UK’s fastest-growing wine distributors.

Kim reflects on ‘falling in’ to the wine industry, the lessons she learned from FMCG sales training, and how North South Wines was built through strong partnerships, entrepreneurial drive, and a commitment to doing business differently.

A major focus of the conversation is North South Wines’ sustainability journey. Kim is honest about knowing little of the B Corp movement initially, but having recognised its transformative power and worked hard to become the UK’s first B Corp-certified wine distribution business, she transformed the company’s approach to people, profit, and environmental impact.

She discusses practical initiatives including lightweight wine bottles, supplier sustainability assessments, carbon literacy training, electric vehicle adoption, and employee volunteering programmes. North South Wines’ position as sustainability leaders in wine distribution means they have a powerful voice to influence others, and to lobby for needed change.

North South Wines have a strong commercial tale to tell, and the discussion also explores the commercial case for sustainability, revealing how long-term investment in people, culture, and responsible business practices has strengthened profitability, customer loyalty, and brand differentiation in a highly competitive market.

Kim speaks candidly about her own challenges during COVID-19, including burnout and mental health struggles, and how that period ultimately helped reshape both her leadership style and the future direction of the business. Strong employee engagement and an agile, positive company culture are interwoven with commitment to environmental sustainability, and together they drive an impressive story of commercial growth.

Visit North South Wines at: https://northsouthwines.co.uk/

Connect with Kim at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-wilson/