EXPANDING its data destruction operation has enabled an award-winning IT recycling business to create a management role for an employee who was previously out of work for 19 years.

Ucan Recycling, based at Wyke, has invested in new technology to boost the secure data disposal service it provides to companies, educational establishments and local authorities facing increasing compliance issues.

The technology can wipe 38 hard drives at once, meaning 150 can be processed per hour. If the devices are beyond repair and are to be broken down for recycling, on-site shredding is also available.

Destruction of IT equipment donated to the Community Interest Company for recycling or reuse can be witnessed by clients where they can watch serial numbers and hard drives being wiped or degaussed.

The operation is managed by Colin Bagshaw who joined Ucan 12 months ago. An interest in fixing and building PCs for friends and family led to Ucan director Rob Seal hiring him.

Rob said: “Despite an obvious lack of confidence, we took a gamble and appointed Colin as an IT technician. He worked closely alongside an experienced colleague and showed a keen interest in the growing data destruction side of the business. He has continued to flourish in his role so was the obvious candidate for the newly-created position of data security manager.”

Colin is now responsible for the division’s end-to-end processes, from data destruction through to the preparation of asset reports and Certificates of Destruction/Disposal.

The new witnessed data destruction service has proven of particular interest to Ucan clients in the legal, medical and financial services sector.