2024 Review: A Milestone Year for TMT First

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year packed with achievements, milestones, and moments that highlight our commitment to keeping technology alive for longer. From launching our Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship to award wins and sustainability initiatives, it’s been a year to remember. We have taken the time out to summarise our key moments this year.

We proudly named Dougie Mac as our Charity of the Year for the second year running, continuing our commitment to supporting the organisation. This year the TMT team have raised an amazing £5788.

We attended the MWC in Barcelona, connecting with global leaders in the mobile and tech industry.
We officially launched our Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship with a VIP event, kicking off an exciting new chapter in skills development and sustainability.

TMT First was commended in the Service and Repair category at the Mobile News Awards—a nod to our industry expertise. Fingers crossed we win next time!
We also took to the stage at Stoke City’s Bet 365 Stadium with esteemed business leader James Timpson, who was then the Chief Executive of the Timpson Shoe Repair Chain (he’s now the Minister for Prisons, Parole and Probation). We heard all about his incredible journey and shared our own story about innovation and creating skills jobs for our area.

We were proud sponsors of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Local Hero Awards, recognising unsung community champions.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council committed to funding six apprenticeships on our Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship, helping young people build skills in the tech repair industry.
We attended the ITC in Malta, strengthening relationships and exploring new opportunities in the mobile and tech sectors.

We were honoured with the Bronze Business Partner Award at the Dougie Mac Business Partnership Awards for our fundraising efforts.
We successfully completed ISO 9001 recertification and surveillance for ISO 14001 and 45001, reaffirming our commitment to quality and sustainability.
We welcomed the first apprentices in the UK to start on our newly approved innovative apprenticeship programme.

TMT First was shortlisted in not one, not two but three categories at the Mobile Industry Awards: CSR Initiative of the Year, Sustainability of the Year, and Best Repair Service.
We were also named as finalists in the Sustainability and Environment Award at the Staffordshire Chamber Business Awards.

We became proud Patrons of the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, to demonstrate our commitment to championing the area and other local businesses. We wanted to do our bit to help put Staffordshire businesses on the map.
We reached an exciting milestone of 2,000 LinkedIn followers (and that figure continues to grow)!
We were proud to become a Microsoft Authorised Service Provider, further expanding our service capabilities.
And we celebrated our team by presenting our length of service awards and holding our annual Summer Fun Day – a thank-you for their hard work and dedication.

We were commended in the Skills for the Future category at the Staffordshire University Business Awards.
Our founder, Adam Whitehouse, spoke at the MIRA Technology Institute and the Staffordshire Climate Expo and Sustainability Conference.
Our team exhibited at the Emergency Tech Show, showcasing our expertise to industry leaders.
We won the Sustainability Initiative of the Year category at the Mobile Industry Awards for our innovative Mobile Component Repair Service – an opportunity to celebrate our success and achievements on a national industry stage.

We hosted a visit from newly elected Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee, who toured our facilities and learned about our sustainability initiatives and apprenticeship programme.
Our Founder Adam Whitehouse was as a result invited to Parliament to attend Prime Minister’s Questions.

We achieved Cyber Essentials Plus Certification, the highest level of recognition in the government-backed cybersecurity scheme.
We hosted a Chamber of Commerce Regional Event, offering tours of our facility to business leaders.
And we won another award. This time it was the Education and Engagement Award at the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards for our trailblazing apprenticeship programme. It was fantastic to see all our hard work recognised.
We wrapped up the month with our TMT Awards evening and early Christmas party, celebrating staff achievements.

We held our annual Christmas Jumper Day to raise funds for our incredible Charity of the Year.
And we’re planning for 2025!

It’s been a great award-winning year for TMT First and we are looking to build on successes next year. We are planning to:

Expand our apprenticeship programme to train even more skilled device repair technicians.
Driving further sustainability initiatives to keep technology alive for longer.
Strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities in the tech industry.
Continuing to celebrate and invest in our incredible team, who make it all possible.

Together, we’re shaping the future of technology and sustainability.

Here’s to ‘Keeping Technology Alive for Longer’ and a successful 2025

Wishing you a Happy New Year from all of us at TMT First.