BLTG.L Regulatory News (BLTG)

21 Apr 2005 08:48

Fonebak plc21 April 2005 FONEBAK PLC WINS THE QUEEN'S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE Fonebak PLC ("the company"), one of the world's leading providers of mobilephone reuse and recycling solutions has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise inthe International Trade category. The company, which was established in 2000,was listed on AIM on 31st March, 2005. Fonebak won the Enterprise Award for increasing its overseas sales by 127% to£27million in three years, and combining business and environmental imperatives.Through the reuse and recycling of mobile phones over 1800 tonnes of electricalwaste landfill has been avoided and the problem of 18 million mobile phonesreplaced in Britain alone contained. Fonebak's solution, complies with the forthcoming waste electrical andelectronic equipment directive, and has the endorsement of the major UK networkoperators, major retailers, charities and the UK Government. The company now hasover 1000 clients. The company's strategy of establishing strong relationships with UK networkoperators has helped to develop an international distribution networkpredominately in Africa, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe. Fonebak obtainsreturned handsets from a variety of sources including network operators withinthe UK. The company then repairs, refurbishes, and repackages these handsets tomobile phone users in third world countries. In these regions local network providers do not subsidise new handsets. Thecosts of new handsets have been identified as the single biggest barrier tomobile communications affordability. The mobile phones that are not suitable forreuse are recycled recovering materials for return to productive use. Fonebak's policy of environment protection is central to the company's businessstrategy. An environmental management system has been incorporated into alloperations to ensure that environmental risk is managed and minimalised. Kathy Woodward, Fonebak's CEO commented. "We are delighted to have won the Queen's award for Enterprise in theInternational Trade category. Fonebak believes that low-cost handsets play animportant role in developing communications in areas that do not have access tofixed line telephones. It has also been extremely rewarding seeing developingeconomies accessing the world of mobile phones at affordable prices. We believe that providing a solution for network operators combined withoffering reconditioned low-cost mobile phones has created a circle of goodbusiness practice." 21 April 2005 Enquiries: Pelham Public Relations James Henderson 020 7743 6673 M - 07774 444163 Charles Vivian 020 7743 6672 M - 07977 297903 About Fonebak Fonebak is the world's leading provider of mobile phone reuse and recyclingsolutions. With headquarters in the UK, The Company is proud to have every UKwireless operator and many major retailers, corporations and charities asclients. With offices throughout Europe, Fonebak is constantly expanding,delivering value and environmental excellence across Europe. Fonebak's, innovative environmental and financial solutions are focused on twokey areas: the reuse of mobile phones unlocking excellent residual value, andsecure materials recycling for end-of life equipment. With many major business and environmental awards, ISO certifications, andgovernment endorsements Fonebak has won the confidence of network providers,retailers, major corporations and charities. The Company's strategy of linking the needs of business with a focus on theenvironment has led to significant growth. Now a £27 million turnover company,Fonebak is rapidly expanding across the world to deliver the same quality ofservice and focus on the environment which sets us apart. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange