Greenlight Computers x Play It Green: New Member
Today, we’re excited to introduce Greenlight Computers, the latest fantastic member of the Play It Green community Greenlight brings sustainability to the Life Sciences sector through its IT Managed Services. The company stands out by offering corporate standard cyber security and cloud computing to its SME client base. They also have a strong emphasis on responsiveness and service.
Joining forces with Play It Green, Greenlight Computers isn’t just about broadening its reach; it’s about aligning with a community that embodies a deep commitment to protecting the environment. Through our partnership, Greenlight Computers is taking significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint. This is a journey they embarked on from beginning in 2006. The long-term strategy of delivering services within a 10 mile radius of staff has seen them open 5 offices in Science parks around the UK and local to their clients. This move underscores their pledge to forge a sustainable future.
We were pleased to catch up with Gary Dodson, the visionary behind Greenlight Computers. During our conversation, Gary’s action orientated approach shone through. He personally committed to Play it Green with a family forest garden in 2022 and wanted to bring that into his business in a meaningful way. Setting an initial goal of planting 10,000 trees gives the Greenlight Computers team something to measure, aspire to and be proud of.
Please, tell us a little about the History and Values of Greenlight Computers
Greenlight Computers was established in 2006 as a Northwest IT Managed Service provider. We then decided to focus on the Life Science and Healthcare sector in 2020.
From day one the mindset was to deliver local, on a national basis. The company was named with sustainability and reliability in mind. When we finish work on a computer it’s good to go “green light”. Our work is ideally delivered by a local or online technician intervention.
We have slowly built our client footprint with technical hubs in five great locations around the UK. The latest hub we set up is Sci-Tech Daresbury which launched in 2022. 90% of our IT work can be done remotely but the 10% that needs a physical presence is best done with local skills. It’s great for service, great for business and essential for the planet.
In 2020 when we decided to focus on the Life Science & Healthcare sector and made significant investments in securing the key accreditations. These are ISO9001, ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and GxP, the Life Science specific safe laboratory environment training.
Our business is all about the people. IT services is a hard world with clients only calling in when they are stressed with IT issues. We therefore work hard to look after our staff, often putting well-being before profit. This shows by the number of positive alumni who talk fondly about their time at Greenlight Computers.
Why did Greenlight Computers decide to collaborate with Play It Green?
Greenlight Computers already has lots of actions underway to minimise our carbon footprint. However, we needed a simple way to carbon offset the inevitable impact of our IT Managed Services and product supply. As soon as we came across Play it Green, we knew it was something we wanted to support and be a part of. Partnering with Play It Green allows us to offset our carbon footprint measurably. This is something the team can buy into and contribute toward.
Greenlight Computers has funded the work of MBH for many years in attempting to stimulate local trade with local businesses in Manchester. In 2019 Greenlight Computers CEO Gary Dodson also initiated the Manchester Carbon Heroes award scheme. This was set up to recognise businesses that take real action to reduce their carbon footprint in the battle toward Net Zero.
We know it’s our responsibility as a business to make a positive impact in the world, so we want to build on this partnership in the coming years. Our experience of “partnership” over the years has always been one way, we give and the partner takes. We believe this partnership will be a real two-way commitment to promoting each other.
To read more about our Net Zero journey so far please visit our website and take a look.
What’s happening now that’s exciting for Greenlight Computers?
At Greenlight Computers we aspire to become the IT partner of choice for businesses in the Life Science and Healthcare sector across the UK.
This aspiration does not exclude other sectors. However. we know if we deliver an excellent, secure and sustainable services in the highly regulated Life Science sector we become a great choice for other businesses as well.
Since 2021 we have grown organically at 30% per annum on average. We see this continuing as we hopefully increase our market share.
We have a plan to open a new location every two years allowing us to build a sustainable business in the local area. Future expansion includes Cambridge, Glasgow, Oxford & Nottingham as potential Greenlight Computers locations.
Many of our clients already have sustainability objectives of their own and we see Greenlight Computers differentiation in our skills, accreditations and demonstratable sustainability actions. We love nothing more than contributing to a client’s ESG for the benefit of all involved.
What does the future hold for Greenlight Computers?
We’re not just stopping at carbon offsetting. Oh no, we’re on a mission to weave sustainability into the very fabric of our services & marketing. Think greener business strategies. Our staff are incentivised to bring us new ideas on how to continuously become more sustainable in the way we operate, and hopefully a few surprises along the way.
In a nutshell, Greenlight Computers is expanding in an environmentally conscious way. We’re excited for what’s to come. Let’s get 10,000 trees planted together and see what other actions we can take along the way.
Quotes
Gary Dodson, Founder, Greenlight Computers
“We’re absolutely delighted to build on this green journey with Richard and Play It Green. This is way more than just cutting down our carbon footprint. It’s about mutual benefit for Play it Green, Greenlight Computers, our clients, their families and the sustainable future we all need. My advice to others is just to take action for the better. We made a decision 10 years ago to stop working with a disposable plastics manufacturer and the staff loved it. What actions have you taken?“
Richard Dickson, Co-Founder, Play It Green
“I have known Gary since Play It Green received our Carbon Hero Award from MBH Business Networking Hub in 2020. Fast forward to today and we are now partnering for a better future. Anyone who knows me knows I believe in the power of collaboration and I am excited to see what the future holds for this new partnership..”
Play It Green: Empowering Your Sustainability Journey
Ready to take your commitment to sustainability to the next level? With our Climate Positive Workforce, Play It Green stands as your partner in creating positive environmental change. From educational resources on sustainable practices and signposting to sustainable services to initiatives like reforestation, seaforestation and social giving, Play It Green offers a holistic approach to sustainability.
Join us in the journey toward a better world—embrace eco-conscious practices and be a force for positive change in our world. All whilst staying relevant, meeting legislation and aligning with the values of today’s consumers and employees.
