Ucan Recycling CiC

THE co-owner of Ucan Recycling CiC says her firm looks beyond a person’s CV after they were crowned Job Creator of the Year.

The Wyke-based firm specialises in the recycling and re-use of IT materials.

The not-for-profit organisation started in 2010 to create jobs for the long-term unemployed.

It offers a free collection service to businesses, schools, universities and councils, to clear out redundant IT materials and keep it out of landfill.

Ucan now boasts a £1.2 million turnover.

Co-owner Nicky Seal, 42, who works alongside husband Rob, said: “It’s a real surprise.

“We just want to keep growing really.

“We are giving people second chances. All of the people we take on are so keen.

“We get CVs from everybody but you don’t learn anything from a CV.

“I believe in the person behind the CV.

“We believe in giving people the chance that have not had the chance before.

“Of course, we are in business to try to make money, but it’s more about the people behind it.”

Over the past five years, the Brookfields Road firm has employed 75 volunteers from various back to work schemes who gained work experience, learned new skills, developed confidence to become job-ready and increased their chance of getting paid work.

One of its work placements had not had any paid work for 21 years and had been in prison.

His experience and development at Ucan enabled him to find full-time work in a warehouse.

It has also trained six apprentices, one of whom was a finalist in the 2014 Leeds Apprenticeship of the Year Awards, and also provides work placements.

Highly commended

Platinum Partnership Solicitors

Naylor Wintersgill

Accountants