Session title

Rubbish in, rubbish out? The importance of Eco-Design.

The need to design ourselves a better future is essential to stop the ever increasing tide of electronic waste. Hear how this is being achieved today and the changes we need to make to benefit us tomorrow.

Deborah has 20+ years’ experience in sustainable design and manufacture, the Circular Economy and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and is proud to be a Chartered Environmentalist. She adopts a whole systems approach to the challenges of sustainability and circularity that include consideration of all life cycle stages from design, through use and end-of-life. She is engaged in related research and enterprise activities with various sectors. Deborah has collaborated with the data centre industry since 2010 and is the founder and academic lead for CEDaCI; this EU Interreg NWE-funded project generated ground-breaking research to develop a Circular Economy for the Data Centre Industry. A key output is the Circular Data Centre Compass – a free online resource which enables stakeholders to make informed decisions about sustainability, procurement and retirement of equipment in line with their business focus.

Bridging the digital divide

What does making universal access to the digital world a human right actually mean in practice and what are the consequences?

Paul Finnis founded the UK Digital Poverty Alliance and is the Strategic Advisor to Unconnected.org which connected 2,5 million people in the UK and around the world in 2023.

MODERATOR Andrew will take the role of Panel moderator at the conference for at least one of the panel sessions.

Andrew's professional experience spans more than 25 years, marked by executive leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. His journey began in the technology Value-Added Reseller (VAR) sector, earning leadership roles at CDW and Insight, delivering on quotas up to $100 million annually. In the last eight years, Andrew has leveraged his experience to focus on the Mobile Processing, IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), and Data Sanitization industries. His journey began at Blancco, where he emerged as a top global producer, followed by Chief Executive Officer of Securaze US, where he developed the GTM strategy, secured key partnerships and championed product innovation. Now, Andrew serves as Co-Founder of CypherBlk, a stealth startup committed to delivering innovative solutions that contribute to a secure and sustainable digital world. Andrew is an empathetic leader, polished speaker and regularly serves as an industry expert on panel discussions. He is well-versed in market trends and their application to contemporary business, sharing the latest insights, providing thought leadership and facilitating key connections across the industry. Andrew serves as an Advisor to SERI's Data Experts Group, Advisory Board Member to Cell Phones for Soldiers, and actively participates in numerous industry trade groups.

Panel Session:

What makes a modern ITAD

The Importance of ITAD (data Security, Sustainability, Regulatory compliance, and the demand for re-manufactured/Re-furbished equipment). The Difference between a traditional ITAD and a Modern ITAD emphasising adaptability, tech integration security and sustainability. Core Characteristics of a Modern ITAD - Environmental Stewardship - People - Technological Innovation - Regulatory Compliance - Customisable and Scalable Solutions Future Trends and Challenges The Role of ADISA and Industry Collaboration

Ben Griffin, the driving force behind Asset Lifecycle Solutions (ALS), has an illustrious career that began with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Liverpool University. His professional journey took off at Ferranti, a renowned Aerospace and Defence company in Manchester, where he climbed the ranks from Chief Engineer to Technical Director, and finally to Business Unit Director at Elbit Systems in Israel.
Ben's introduction into the ITAD industry was sparked by an engagement with CDL for Top Secret data sanitisation, leading to his role as Sales Director and subsequently Managing Director after CDL's acquisition by Restore Technology. Recognising a market need for a modern ITAD, Ben leveraged his vast experience to establish Asset Lifecycle Solutions in 2022.
Based in Cheshire, ALS thrives under Ben's leadership, embodying his commitment to innovation, security, digital inclusion and sustainability in the ITAD sector. Beyond his professional achievements, Ben is deeply passionate about social value, particularly in providing access to affordable, IT equipment to those less fortunate in the UK.
His journey from the aerospace and defence industry to the helm of a pioneering ITAD company showcases his adaptability, visionary approach to business and technology, and his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact both in the industry and the community.

Session title

What makes a modern ITAD

What makes a modern ITAD? Automation, Streamline Processing, and Company Culture, are three things you need to think when scaling your ITAD.

I Have been in the industry since 2011. Started out as an account manager for a ITAD company in Detroit Michigan. Worked with and helped promote the importance of an ITAD operation and process in large fortune 100 and 500 companies in the greater metro Detroit area. Later worked to help streamline our manufacturing processes and became the general manager of asset recovery until 2016. Joined IQ reseller to better streamline our implementation process and to help ITADs better defined their internal processes and help to automation and process to better scale their business. I’ve successfully implemented and tweaked processes for over 100 companies in the ITAD, repair, mobile, 3rd party maintenance and more!

Session title

Dealing with the volatility of the 2nd user market

 

Mat's gotover 25 years experience in the sector and as CEO of Procurri is very well placed to talk about the global 2nd user market.

Mat Jordan has over 25 years’ experience within the IT sector, currently the CEO of Procurri. Joining Procurri in 2014 as Sales Director for UK after the acquisition of Tindirect by Procurri and was appointed Head of EMEA in 2016. Progressing to Global Head of Lifecycle Services in 2020
and appointed Global Head of Operations in 2022. Mat participated in a management buyout of Tindirect Ltd in 2005, following which he became an owner of the holding company, Tinglobal. Mat has worked with numerous venture capitalists raising capital and participated in business sales, acquisitions and mergers. Mat Graduated from Southampton Solent University with a BA(Hons) Business Studies.

Session title

Beyond the Factory Reset: Ensuring Complete Data Erasure in Networking Equipment

Resetting networking equipment to factory settings is often thought to completely erase configurations and VLAN setups, but this is not always the case. Many networking devices retain certain configurations even after a factory reset due to embedded or persistent storage designed to maintain critical system settings. These residual configurations can include VLAN settings, IP addresses, and other network-specific data. This persistence is intended to simplify device recovery and maintain essential connectivity, but it poses a security risk by potentially leaving sensitive information accessible. Additionally, some devices may require multiple reset methods or additional commands to fully clear all configurations. Therefore, relying solely on a factory reset can lead to incomplete removal of network settings, highlighting the need for thorough verification and additional security measures to ensure complete data sanitization. This issue underscores the importance of understanding device-specific reset processes and the potential need for more rigorous data erasure techniques.

Darrel Arjoon is a visionary thought leader in the realm of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and IT Sustainability, renowned for his innovative approach and profound expertise in driving sustainable technology solutions. As the founder and CEO of Reuse Technology, Darrel has dedicated his career to redefining how organizations manage their IT assets, ensuring that they not only maximize value recovery but also adhere to the highest environmental standards. With over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Darrel has built a reputation for his deep understanding of IT lifecycle management, data security, and environmental stewardship. His forward-thinking strategies have positioned Reuse Technology at the forefront of the ITAD industry, delivering comprehensive solutions that emphasize reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal of electronic waste. Darrel’s expertise extends to ITAD for networking equipment, where he has developed specialized protocols to handle the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this critical infrastructure. Darrel’s leadership is marked by a commitment to sustainability and a passion for educating businesses about the critical importance of environmentally conscious IT practices. He regularly speaks at industry conferences, sharing insights on the latest trends in ITAD, the economic benefits of sustainable IT management, and the evolving regulatory landscape. His thought leadership is also reflected in numerous articles and whitepapers, where he advocates for circular economy principles and the integration of sustainability into corporate IT strategies. Under Darrel’s guidance, Reuse Technology has developed proprietary methodologies that not only ensure compliance with international standards but also promote social responsibility. His innovative approaches have helped countless organizations reduce their carbon footprint, mitigate risks associated with data breaches, and achieve their sustainability goals. A respected figure in the industry, Darrel Arjoon continues to inspire and lead the charge towards a more sustainable future in IT. His unwavering dedication to excellence and sustainability has not only transformed Reuse Technology into a leader in ITAD but has also set a benchmark for the industry at large.

Session title:No voice, No Impact. How legislation can support your business?

The B2B market has long been left on its own by legislators, contracts and competition should do the job. Today we see some change, driven by sustainability, in legislation and reporting requirements. The tension on the playing field is growing as the battle to continue business growth by the OEM channel is including ITAD as a part of the so called IT aftermarket. A healthy independent market needs to be involved; what's up and what does this mean for the future of your company?

Free ICT Europe Foundation(FIE) is a not-for-profit foundation actively promoting the ICT Secondary Market within Europe, funded by donations from individual companies and some organisations like ADISA, SIA and The BrokerSite. We are the representative of the IT Aftermarket towards the European Commission.

Change will continue to happen, influence matters. It is Jan’s drive to work on these changes; unite & represent Independent IT Service Providers, call for a fair and open ICT market and participate in research and legislative processes in Europe. With cars becoming computers on wheels two main sectors in his career came together. Jan’s education has been in Automotive, Business Administration and Total Quality Management. Jan has worked for large businesses and SME’s in the Automotive and the ICT sector. As advisor and analyst he was involved in several M&A projects, business development and creating strategic change. Since 2001 most of his time had been spend in the secondary IT market with roles in the organisations CBE, the Ascdi and Green ICT. Since 2016, he is Executive Director of the Free ICT Europe Foundation to create awareness about the IT Aftermarket and accomplish change in legislation. Circular Economy and Sustainability are key topics. For this he takes the lead in participation of EU projects, development of legislation, lobby activities and research, he is a frequent speaker and the key contact for alliance partners

Panel Session: Insight into the EU ITAD Marketplace

The assumption that the industry is the same across EU borders is discussed and differences explored by this panel.

Ulf is the CEO of the Swedish ITAD - Remade in Sweden. Has over 12 years experience form the ITAD industry. Previously worked in IT on both the HW and SW side. Traveled extensively in Europe and Asia for business and also lived abroad for more than 10 years. Married and a father of 3 small people. Enjoys skiing, traveling and a good book

Session title

Insight into the EU ITAD Marketplace- Italy

Situation and trends of Italian ITAD market - low budget for ITAD project etc
Data protection awareness - education for increasing
Certifications in place for data sanitization and disposal - comparing
Benefit for companies using certified providers ADISA

Roberto Tursini gained extensive managerial experience in multinational companies operating in the office equipment and ITC sectors before founding Data Shredding in 2007 and Distruzione Documenti in 2013 where he currently holds the role of General Manager.
From 2011 to 2019 he was an active member of NAID EUROPE, a committee of NAID (National Association Information Destruction - USA), promoting the correct elimination of information while respecting the highest security standards.
Since 2017 he has been present in Unindustria Roma where he has held positions as advisor in the “safety section”, current member of the ITC section and president of the Aprilia district of Small Industry

Session title

 What makes a modern ITAD

Explore the main elements that define modern IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) in today's digital world. Discover the imperative shift from traditional disposal to holistic lifecycle management, emphasizing compliance, sustainability, and data security. moving towards technological innovations like asset tracking and data erasure, enhancing efficiency and value recovery. Understand the evolving role of ITAD service providers and emerging trends such as circular economy principles and extended producer responsibility. Gain insights into selecting reputable partners aligned with organizational goals. This session equips attendees to navigate IT asset disposition with confidence, leveraging innovation and collaboration for a sustainable digital future.

Peyman Balali is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in IT asset disposition (ITAD) and related fields. He has demonstrated expertise in compliance, sustainability, data security, software development, and ITAD risk management. Currently serving as CEO at Rapid Solutions, Peyman Balali has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including Rapid Track, Driver Master, Rapid Studio, the Total Quality Management System (TQMS), My Smart Guard, and EBrain.

Passionate about developing and utilizing cutting-edge technologies in ITAD and electronic recycling, he is committed to driving innovation and sustainability within the ITAD landscape. With a focus on delivering cost-effective solutions for the ITAD industry through the development and adaptation of new technologies, he strives to make a positive impact on both businesses and the environment.

As a speaker at this seminar, Peyman Balali is eager to share his insights and experiences, contributing to meaningful discussions and fostering collaboration within the ITAD community. Through engaging with fellow attendees, he aims to inspire and empower others to embrace modern ITAD practices for a more sustainable digital future.

Session title

Building credibility in refurbished goods - the Kitemark process for remanufactured and reconditioned products.

Embark on a journey to uncover the intrinsic value of the BSI Kitemark in our presentation, where we showcase how adherence to BS 8887 can elevate product design, environmental responsibility, and overall quality. In the dynamic industrial landscape, design and engineering processes are paramount in shaping sustainable outcomes. Delving into BS 8887, a British Standard tailored for design and engineering documentation, we explore its unique features, drawing comparisons with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. This exploration is vital for organizations seeking seamless integration of design, environmental responsibility, and quality management into their operations. The BSI Kitemark becomes a symbol of excellence, affirming your commitment to superior standards and reinforcing trust in your products and processes.

Tolga Sakar is the Head Of UK&I Product Certification, he upheld overarching responsibility for testing and certification activities across a diverse service portfolio. He joined BSI Istanbul in 2013 and has 15 years of experience in TIC industry. Prior to his current role, he was the Commercial Manager in Energy department until 2019 and then appointed as the Sales and Operations Manager for Digital and Connected Products, which he executed for three years. Tolga has bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering and holds Masters in Business Administration.