In an era where technology refresh cycles are becoming exponentially shorter, businesses in Lancashire and the surrounding area face mounting pressure to balance digitisation with environmental stewardship.

As the country strives to achieve net zero status by 2050, not to mention the County Council’s Environment and Climate Strategy’s environmental priorities, Lancashire businesses are in a pivotal, unique position to drive tangible change, deliver measurable results, and create future-proof jobs.

The challenge does pose a difficult dichotomy, however: how do organisations so pivotal to the Lancashire economy procure the right technology to help them drive innovation while minimising its impact on the environment? Is there also a way to deliver tangible economic value at the same time?

Lancashire, with such a rich logistics and transport heritage and a fast-growing technology sector, is in a rather enviable position to pioneer environmentally responsible tech procurement, which could inevitably prove influential for other regions across the UK. Our established manufacturing sector, coupled with our emerging digital space and strong, resilient business networks together create the perfect foundation for developing meaningful change in technology lifecycle management and maximisation.

Rethinking our acquisition of new technology

Traditional procurement processes – not just technology based but other goods and commodities too – often follow a linear ‘buy, use, discard’ model that we have become so accustomed to. However, when looking at technology itself, the drastically evolving problem of electronic waste (e-waste) is hard to ignore.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, roughly 121,770 metric tonnes of household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) were collected, which, while lower than the national average of 125,000 is still much higher than we need it to be. The UK is statistically (according to Green Economy) the second largest e-waste producer in the world, generating 23.9kg of waste per capita (behind Norway).

Local authorities, institutions, organisations and business owners everywhere have an economic and moral ambition to preserve our environment and their respective local economies. When looking at what we can do as a crucial part of the UK economy, we need to not just get better at preserving our electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, televisions, and so on. We also need to drastically rethink our business models to hold ourselves more accountable environmentally.

Take companies like MPB, for example, a re-commerce specialist in professional photography equipment. MPB shows how the buying, selling, and exchanging of used technology can provide environmental benefits, cost savings for end users, and a healthy, sustainable business model. Not only is valuable, quality equipment getting an extended lifecycle, but more individuals have access to such equipment at a better price. This is invaluable when you consider the higher-than-average costs of consumer goods in 2024.

According to a recent joint report by MPB and Retail Economics, 71% of consumers bought or sold used goods in 2023. Traditional stockists and e-commerce providers in Lancashire can take influence from MPB and apply it to their internal production, distribution, and repurposing processes.

However, this doesn’t just extend to photography equipment. From office computers and mobile phones to industrial machines, Lancashire businesses can rethink their procurement strategies across their entire technology stacks. Whether it’s sourcing products from responsible providers, switching to green energy networks, or actively partnering with many of the region’s local WEEE disposal and electrical recycling initiatives, the salient point is that technology should not be viewed as so dispensable.

The art lies in viewing any tech product – however small and influential – through a circular economy lens at every touchpoint, from acquisition to disposal. Every decision before, during and after purchase should always consider the full lifecycle of the product and the environmental implications improper disposal can have.

Building a regional tech procurement framework

The North East can leverage its strengths to preserve the economy it has worked so hard to build and also for the future. The amount of foreign investment in renewable energy projects is rife for the picking, which means that businesses can be equipped with the funds and resources they need to make such necessary conscious changes without suffering a drastic financial hit.

With coal and oil firmly on the decline, embracing renewable energy and eco-friendly procurement practices supply chain-wide seems more imminent and necessary than ever. The benefits – lower overall energy costs, reduced operational disruption, and better environmental contributions, among others – far outweigh the challenges. When you consider that most of the UK public scrutinises a prospective supplier for their environmental responsibility, it’s only prudent to adopt a mindset that supports this.

To position Lancashire and the North East as a sustainable tech procurement powerhouse, we need a coordinated, aligned approach that utilises our existing infrastructure and strengths while bridging emerging and pervasive gaps.

1. Creating robust networks of local technology refurbishers, recyclers, and circular economy specialists can help keep value within the region. Lancashire’s established logistics infrastructure makes it ideal for developing these supply chains.
2. Our colleges, universities and educational institutions can play a vital role in developing the technical skills needed to support a circular technology economy. From repair and refurbishment to raw material production practices, we need to build a workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
3. Lancashire’s diverse business community, from manufacturing to digital services, creates opportunities for innovative procurement partnerships.
4. As older industries adapt, new industries need to be created, such as those based on carbon capture and storage (CCS), re-commerce and more. This has the potential to create thousands of highly skilled new jobs while reducing carbon emissions.

In turn, not only can we see the establishment of new jobs, but overall eco-friendly procurement costs will be lower as they become more widely adopted, saving local businesses vital funds. Investment from companies looking for sustainable supply chain partners will become more common, meaning we will see more investments in green energy projects. This will provide a vital boost to the local economy and reinforce supply chains with greater disruption protection. Over time, products that would once have been relegated to landfills can continue to be used, thus potentially opening new revenue streams.

Practical steps for Lancashire businesses

Implementing sustainable tech procurement doesn’t require a complete business model or system overhaul, but rather gradual adaptation and strategic adjustments. Businesses can begin with these practical steps:

• Understand your technology lifecycle, including procurement patterns, usage periods, and disposal methods.
• Consider refurbished equipment where appropriate, implement proper maintenance programmes, and plan for end-of-life recycling.
• Track the environmental and financial impacts of sustainable procurement to demonstrate ROI and identify areas for improvement.
• Work with technology providers who offer sustainable options, including take-back schemes and recycling programmes.

Looking ahead

The transition to sustainable tech procurement represents a significant opportunity for Lancashire. By taking action now, we can establish our region as a pioneer in circular economy practices while creating lasting economic and environmental benefits.

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