Lord Jones joins Morecambe tech recycling firm

LORD Digby Jones has been taken on as a special adviser to a Morecambe-based electronics recycling firm.

ShP specialises in cleaning data from unwanted computers and mobile phones before selling them on.

Founders Craig Smith and Simon Walsh first met Lord Jones at a business competition several years ago and they later asked him to help oversee the growth of the company.

The former trade minister and Confederation of British Industry (CBI) chief told TheBusinessDesk.com: “The idea is that I introduce them to people to increase their customer base and look at their internal workings.”

Lord Jones, who is not taking a fee, added: “I’m not a wealthy man, but I’m comfortable so what I like to do is put a bit back.”

He was at the company’s headquarters yesterday to announce the new role and deliver a presentation to an audience of business leaders.

He said the company had some large contracts with public authorities and the police and was now keen to win more private sector business, particularly with large quoted firms. Lord Jones added that ShP’s main challenges were recruiting skilled staff, dealing with red tape and accessing overseas markets.

Sales director Simon Walsh said: “His experience and knowledge in the business community is second to none and we welcome the opportunity to secure his support. Small, growing businesses are the grass roots upon which economic growth relies and with his outstanding track record we are confident we will develop our growth strategy significantly.”

The business employs around 73 staff at a 75,000 sq ft facility in Morecambe.