SUMMER 2023 ROUND-UP Clare Balding (left) along with Duncan White, of category sponsor HSBC UK, and JJ Chalmers (right) presents the Sustainability Award to EGO Technologys Melissa Austin EGO boost from FSB award win ROUND-UP Its solution to the pressing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) earned Burton-upon-Trents EGO Technology the Sustainability accolade at this years Federation of Small Businesses (FSBs) Celebrating Small Business Awards. The company places a strong emphasis on supply chain sustainability, ensuring that the firms it works with share its vision to protect precious resources while supporting zero landfill, the circular economy and initiatives to cut carbon emissions. The family-run company which won the Midlands final earlier this year beat 11 other regional winners in the UK final, hosted by TV presenters Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers in Solihull on 18 May. Outside of work, it provides tech support to Ukrainians who have fled their homes because of the war and organises e-waste days to encourage the public to recycle their unwanted electronic devices. EGO Technology also donated more than 10,000 to charities last year. EGO Technology gives electrical devices a second life by regenerating surplus equipment from corporate clients and selling it to schools and organisations that need low-cost access to the internet. In 2022, it offset 1,562 tonnes of carbon dioxide by processing around 40,000 devices, which translated into a turnover of nearly 1.3m. Were very excited to be recognised by the FSB, said Ian Austin, managing director of EGO Technology. Its a real testament and brilliant affirmation of our teams commitment to sustainable practices well continue to innovate and create services that help fight against the climate crisis. The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards showcase the best of small business entrepreneurship in the UK and attracted more than 3,000 entries for the 2023 edition. Martin McTague, national chair of the FSB, said: If the UK is to reach its netzero targets, we must establish a net-zero economy and support the role of small firms in combating climate change. I wish EGO Technology every success as it continues to innovate for a greener, cleaner economy. Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses Help level the playing field Do the activities of a recently opened shop or business near you seem a bit strange? Does it have unusual opening times and is it attracting people who are not normally in your neighbourhood? ROUND-UP You can report any concerns you have anonymously and for free to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Other signs that all may not be what it seems with a business are: n Deliveries in the middle of the night n Shop staff visiting cars to get stock out of boots n Staff members at the front of the property, appearing to keep lookout n Underage sales of items such as cigarettes, vapes, beer, alcohol, nitrous oxide canisters, and fireworks n Alcohol sales when it does not appear to have a licence. You can also use CEnTSAs anonymous helpline on 0300 303 2636 to report information, which will be reviewed and treated as intelligence, enhancing Trading Standards services. Credit: Andrew Tandy, Trading Standards officer Image: Shutterstock / janar sinivali Anonymous Hotline For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.