Aberdeen Technical Services advise businesses to comply with WEEE directive

Aberdeen based electronic solutions company, Aberdeen Technical Services, is launching a new service to enable businesses to comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive.  The WEEE directive, which is due to be implemented towards the end of 2006, is being introduced to reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment and also to improve the environmental performance of all those involved in the life cycle of electrical and electronic products.  The directive will apply to electrical and electronic equipment used by consumers for both domestic and professional purposes. Failure to comply with the WEEE directives will lead to products bans, product recalls and fines.

Graham Porteous, director of Aberdeen Technical Services, comments, “The use of electrical and electronic equipment has increased exponentially over recent years.  Most, if not all, businesses in the UK use some form of electrical or electronic products in some way, whether it be an electronic cash register, an IT system or even a vacuum cleaner. 

“The WEEE directive is a far reaching piece of legislation, it will affect manufacturers, retailers, consumers and re-users of electrical and electronic equipment, therefore it is vital that business owners realise that the WEEE directive is likely to apply to their business.  They will need to take steps to ensure that they comply with the WEEE directive.  Companies that do not comply with the directive will find that they are unable to continue to sell their products in Europe.”

Under the WEEE directive levels of recycling for electrical and electronic equipment will increase, in addition the directive sets out the requirements for the specialist treatment and recovery/recycling of electrical and electronic products.

Graham adds, “Having identified that there was a gap in the market regarding the provision of a service to enable companies to comply with the WEEE directive, Aberdeen Technical Services acquired Aberdeen Computer Enterprises in 2005 specifically in order to enable us to provide such a service to businesses.  Once we had identified this service as a new business stream we contacted Enterprise North East Trust in order to enlist their assistance in getting detailed information about the WEEE directive.”

Joyce Duncan, director of operations of Enterprise says, “Enterprise offers advice and support to new and growing businesses; the business advisor can be on hand throughout the life of the business.  In this way we can assist businesses with their growth objectives; identifying ways in which the business can be expanded without compromising either its stability or existing services.

“We held initial meeting with Aberdeen Technical Services where we gained an understanding of both their current and proposed business offering.  Following the meeting we were able to provide Aberdeen Technical Services with information and advice regarding marketing materials and promotional methods, including developing their business via the internet, to assist them in developing their new business stream in response to the forthcoming introduction of the WEEE directive.”

Graham adds, “By adding an additional service element to our portfolio we are not only providing a wider range of services to our clients but it has also meant that we increased our workforce by 20%, we now employ 12 members of staff.”

As well as assisting companies to comply with the WEEE Directive Aberdeen Technical Services also provide electronic solutions including CCTV and telecoms systems.  Aberdeen Technical Services can be contacted on 01224 872922.

Enterprise delivers business support and advice through the Business Gateway service which is supported by Scottish Enterprise.  Telephone 01224 289725 for any aspect of business advice or visit www.enetrust.com.

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