SocialBox.Biz's Long-Standing IT Reuse Innovation Drives Increased Impact with London Companies

SocialBox.Biz, a leading London-based Community Interest Company (CIC), is reporting a strong initial response from businesses embracing its call to prioritize IT reuse over scrapping. 

The recently launched "Call SocialBox.Biz Before You Scrap It" campaign has resonated with companies which are committed to enhancing their social and environmental impact. 

"We're seeing a growing understanding among London businesses that reusing functional IT equipment delivers tangible benefits beyond traditional recycling," Peter Paduh, Founder of SocialBox.Biz, told That's Business. 

Building on over a decade of commitment to sustainable tech reuse, SocialBox.Biz reports a positive initial response from London's business community following its recent renewed call to action to prioritise donating usable IT equipment before recycling or scrapping it.

"We're seeing a growing understanding among businesses that reusing functional IT equipment with SocialBox.Biz delivers tangible benefits beyond traditional recycling methods," Peter Paduh went on to say.

By partnering with SocialBox.Biz, businesses aren't only diverting valuable resources from landfills but also reducing their Scope 3 CO₂ emissions ( reducing your supply chain carbon footprint ) – significantly cutting the environmental impact compared to recycling disposal. 

SocialBox.Biz securely wipes donated devices and upgrades them with open-source software, making them suitable for redistribution to individuals and communities in need.

The call for businesses to donate usable tech has been a core part of SocialBox.Biz's mission for over a decade. However, a recent campaign, "Call SocialBox.Biz Before You Scrap It", was launched to more actively promote this message.

The initiative is already creating positive change within the community. Through partnerships with local charities and organizations like Age UK London and C4WS, SocialBox.Biz is providing access to essential technology for:

Older adults facing digital exclusion unable to afford computer hardware or software.

Individuals experiencing homelessness moving into permanent accommodation and seeking to rebuild their lives.

Refugees integrating into British society.

The reuse of laptops and other IT equipment is proving to be a lifeline, empowering these individuals to access education, job opportunities, and stay connected with loved ones.

https://www.socialbox.biz/socialbox-biz-helping-partners-reduce-scope-3-emissions-and-increase-social-impact/

As noted in a recent case study, a laptop provided to Dean by SocialBox.Biz through another charitable partnership helped him secure employment in London.

https://www.socialbox.biz/homeless-man-finds-job-and-new-hope-with-socialbox-biz-laptop/

SocialBox.Biz is also expanding its programs, including the recently launched CompTIA+ certification initiative, which provides training and opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to enter the IT workforce.

https://www.socialbox.biz/corporate-impact/

The Call for Continued Partnership

While the initial response to the recent campaign has been positive, SocialBox.Biz emphasizes that there's still a significant amount of work to be done to truly maximize the benefits of sustainable tech reuse. The organisation continues to call on London businesses of all sizes to consider partnering with them and join the "reuse before corporate IT recycling" social and ethical innovation.

How Businesses Can Get Involved:

Businesses can engage with SocialBox.Biz by prioritising the reuse of IT equipment, donating devices through a seamless collection process that includes secure data wiping, and sponsoring initiatives like tech labs and training programmes. By participating, businesses contribute to environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

To learn more contact them here: https://www.socialbox.biz/contact-us/

10% Decline in Tech Job Interest Among Future Business School Students

Interest in tech careers among prospective business school students has dropped from 39% in 2023 to 35% in 2024, according to a new report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) – a 10% year-on-year decline.

These findings come from the latest Prospective Students Survey by GMAC – a report that identifies and measures the needs and preferences of aspiring students in management and business education.

Now in its 15th year, the report analyses data from 4,912 respondents across 147 countries, offering insights into evolving candidate decision-making to guide business school strategies.

Technology remains the third most attractive sector for future business school students. Consulting continues to lead as the most popular sector, with exactly half of all respondents considering it for a future career.

The remainder of the top five sectors include financial services (41%) in second place, investment banking and management (34%) in fourth, and consumer products (20%) in fifth.

Notably, there were significant gender and generational disparities in interest in tech careers. Among Millennial men, 45% were interested in a tech career, compared to 38% of Gen Z men. Meanwhile, only 34% of Millennial women and 29% of Gen Z women expressed interest in the technology sector.

“The recent dip in interest toward tech careers among prospective business students may reflect growing uncertainty in the sector,” says Nalisha Patel, Regional Director for the Americas and Europe at GMAC.

“With high-profile layoffs and the rapid evolution of AI disrupting traditional roles, many students are understandably cautious. While technology remains a dynamic and innovative field, the perceived instability is prompting future graduates to weigh their options more carefully as they seek long-term career security."

The research also identified key skill sets employers are seeking in business school graduates, with a growing emphasis on human-centric skills such as emotional intelligence and problem-solving, according to corporate recruiters.

The Graduate Management Admission Council is an international non-profit organisation representing over 200 business schools worldwide. It provides research and market insights to academic institutions and prospective graduate management students.

You can download the report GMAC 2025 Prospective Students Survey Summary Report here 

https://tinyurl.com/mxrptbcp

https://www.gmac.com/

The Darker Side of AI: Why Artificial Intelligence Can Be Bad for Business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly transformed the business landscape in recent years, offering unprecedented opportunities and chances for growth, efficiency, and innovation. 

But! As with any powerful tool, AI comes with its own set of challenges and potential downsides. In this blog post, we will explore why AI can sometimes be detrimental to businesses, shedding light on the darker side of this technological marvel.

Cost and Resource Overheads

Implementing AI systems can be an expensive endeavour for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Acquiring the necessary hardware, software, and skilled personnel to develop and maintain AI solutions can strain a company's budget. Moreover, AI requires substantial data storage and computational power, leading to increased operational costs, which might not yield immediate returns.

Job Displacement and Employee Resistance

One of the most significant concerns regarding AI in business is the potential displacement of human workers. As AI and automation technologies become more sophisticated, routine and repetitive tasks are increasingly being automated. While this can enhance efficiency, it often leads to job losses and employee resistance. The fear of losing their livelihoods can create a hostile work environment and reduce overall morale.

Privacy and Ethical Concerns

AI systems heavily rely on data, and the collection and the utilisation of this data raise significant privacy and ethical concerns. Companies must handle sensitive customer information with care and adhere to strict regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. A data breach or misuse of data can result in costly legal actions, damaged reputations, and loss of customer trust.

Bias and Fairness Issues

AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on. Biased data can lead to AI systems making biased or even flawed decisions, which can perpetuate discrimination and inequality. This not only tarnishes a company's reputation but also invites regulatory scrutiny and potential legal repercussions. Ensuring fairness and transparency in AI systems is an ongoing challenge for businesses.

Overreliance on AI

While AI can improve decision-making and efficiency, overreliance on AI can be detrimental. Blindly following AI recommendations without human judgment can lead to poor decisions and a disconnect from the customer base. It's essential to strike a balance between AI and human input to maintain a holistic perspective in business operations.

Security Vulnerabilities

AI systems are not immune to cyberattacks and security vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit AI models to manipulate decisions or steal sensitive data. Businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their AI systems, which can be an ongoing and resource-intensive process.

Rapid Technological Obsolescence

The field of AI is evolving at breakneck speed. What is considered cutting-edge technology today may become obsolete within a matter of few years. Businesses investing heavily in AI must continuously adapt and upgrade their systems to remain competitive. Failure to do so could even result in a loss of market relevance and competitiveness.

Whilst it's true that AI offers tremendous potential benefits for businesses, it's crucial to acknowledge and address its potential drawbacks, too. Cost overruns, job displacement, privacy concerns, bias, overreliance, security vulnerabilities, and rapid obsolescence are all factors that can make AI bad for business if it's not managed correctly.

Businesses must approach AI implementation with caution, ensuring they have clear strategies for mitigating these risks and fostering responsible AI development. A balanced and ethical approach to AI can help companies harness its advantages while minimising its negative impact on the business and society as a whole.

Eventually, if AI holds sway it will be computers talking to computers, each mimicking real humans who got lost somewhere in the rush to modernisation. 

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

Fasthosts urges small firms to work more closely with their tech suppliers

Fasthosts has revealed that 48 per cent of firms regularly make substantial purchases of new technology without being certain they fully need them.

According to the new research from the UK web hosting provider, data from 788 UK small firms found a huge divide in terms of success with using technology in the workplace. For 1 in 3 firms, implementing new business technology such as smartphones, notepads and computer software, has failed to improve efficiencies. 

Only 1 in 4 SMEs seeks advice from an IT professional. Furthermore, only 1 in 10 firms disappointed with a piece of technology has gone back to their technology supplier or IT advisor to ask for help. The study concludes that it is vital for businesses to plan technology investments properly, working with suppliers to ensure the correct systems are purchased to address the required needs. Firms can save money by evaluating their needs earlier in the process.

Fasthosts' 'Business Technology Audit' found that too many firms today struggle with the way they buy and use technology for their work. Whilst the vast majority are upbeat about technology, many find success with new technology items to be rather hit-or-miss.

A total of 35 per cent admit that their latest technology purchases have either led them to work longer hours or failed to impact their work efficiencies. Furthermore, only 41 per cent of respondents believe that staff find using technology to be enjoyable, and 1 in 5 firms employ staff who are frightened of receiving new technology. Some 48 per cent have indeed achieved more efficient or 'smarter working' through their use of technology.

Stephen Holford, Marketing Director, Fasthosts Internet Ltd, commented: "Busy business owners can struggle to find the time and advice needed to ensure all technology investments are well placed. A lacks approach to researching technology in relation to their needs can lead firms to waste money on solutions that simply do not perform”.

Alarmingly, only 11 per cent of UK small firms review whether a technology has worked well after every new piece is introduced. Only 1 in 10 disappointed with the impact a technology has made, has addressed this with either the supplier or IT advisor who provided it. Surprisingly, only 1 in 4 firms seek the advice of an IT professional before they make substantial investments in technology, a worrying trend which shows businesses should work with their suppliers before purchase to ensure they buy the right solution.

Holford added: "It is vital to plan technology investments properly, working with suppliers to ensure the correct systems are purchased to address the required needs. Knowledge is often the key, so contact suppliers to ask for advice, guidelines, case studies or examples of best-practice usage before an investment and on an on-going basis”.

www.fasthosts.co.uk

Source and Advanced Business Solutions survey of nearly 100 mid-sized organisations highlights key barriers to growth

IT systems integration and business intelligence are the biggest barriers to growth for upper mid-sized UK organisations, according to a survey by Sourceforconsulting.com (Source) in partnership with Advanced Business Solutions (Advanced). Source surveyed senior IT, finance and human resources professionals from nearly 100 upper mid-sized organisations.

The survey, ‘Firing the engines of growth’, was carried out in response to the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI’s) recently-published report which claims that upper mid-sized businesses (those with 250 - 500 employees) are Britain’s “forgotten army”. The Source survey investigated the barriers to growth faced by upper mid-sized organisations, which are also the most productive sector of the economy, and what might be done to overcome these barriers.

The findings highlight that integration of IT systems is seen as the biggest operational barrier to growth: 59% of organisations said this was among their top three concerns and 27% said it was their single biggest concern. Most admitted that their IT systems have been implemented on an ad hoc and piecemeal basis with little thought for organisation-wide system integration.

Business intelligence - described as intelligent, automated analysis of data to drive decisions about the future - is the second biggest operational concern (18% of those surveyed said this was their top concern) with procurement proving the third biggest concern (put top by 14% of respondents). Other key operational barriers cited include document management and planning and budgeting.

Simon Fowler, Managing Director of Advanced Business Solutions (Commercial), says, “It is clear from the research that upper mid-sized UK organisations are struggling to grow due to issues with their IT systems, processes and people. Organisations are lacking the foundation for growth with lack of integration between IT systems proving the biggest growth barrier.”

The survey findings suggest that although upper mid-sized organisations can identify their key barriers to growth, they are not investing in solutions to these barriers due to a few key reasons. The first is that other organisational factors are being considered more important (cited by 79% of respondents). Secondly, there is lack of time to address the issues (mentioned by 73% of respondents) and thirdly, there is lack of money (cited by 50% of those surveyed).

When asked whether Government funds would encourage upper mid-sized organisations to invest in solutions to overcome their growth barriers, the majority of respondents (72%) highlighted that using Government funds for tax breaks would encourage them to invest. Respondents felt that Government funds could also be used to provide access to mid-sized business and IT systems advice, to enable senior management training and to offer loans to mid-sized organisations.

Fowler says, “According to the CBI, mid-sized organisations generate 22% of economic revenue and have the potential to inject up to £50 billion into the economy by 2020 despite representing less than 1% of all UK businesses. To achieve their full potential, it is vital for mid-sized organisations, especially upper mid-sized companies, to recognise and address their key barriers to growth. It’s also important for the Government to deliver funds and to provide the necessary support to enable investment before mid-sized organisations become the UK’s biggest economical disappointment.”