A Staffordshire-based device repair specialist has been formally presented with a prestigious national award for innovation. TMT First, a Samsung-approved service center, received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation at a ceremony in late January 2026.
The company, which won the award in March 2024, was recognized for its Mobile Component Repair (MCR) service. This technology allows for the repair of individual components within smartphones and other devices, moving beyond the standard practice of full unit replacement.
A Ceremony of Recognition
The presentation event was attended by more than 100 guests. Attendees included Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee, the town’s mayor, executives from Samsung and eBay, and representatives from Keele University, the University of Staffordshire, and the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
TMT First founder Adam Whitehouse received the award crystal and scroll from the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE. Professor Barnes serves as the King’s official representative in the county.
In 2024, TMT First was one of only 197 organizations across the United Kingdom to receive a King’s Award. It was the sole Staffordshire business to be honored last year.
Focus on sustainability and Partnership
In a statement, Adam Whitehouse linked the award to the company’s long-term strategy. “We live in a world where technology is moving at an incredibly fast pace, but there is a tendency that if it goes wrong people jump to replace it,” Whitehouse said. He credited the company’s 12-year partnership with Samsung for enabling the innovation behind services like MCR.
Whitehouse stated that the award reflects the company’s focus on repair, refurbishment, and sustainability. He explained that the MCR approach demonstrates how extending the lifecycle of electronic devices can reduce environmental impact while also lowering costs for both consumers and businesses.
Professor Elizabeth Barnes commented on the alignment between TMT First’s work and broader national priorities. She said the company’s approach closely matches the King’s sustainability interests, particularly concerning sustainable consumption and the reuse of materials. Professor Barnes encouraged other businesses in Staffordshire to follow TMT First’s example.
Implications and Future Outlook
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as The Queen’s Awards, are the most prestigious business awards in the United Kingdom. They recognize outstanding achievement in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Winning organizations are permitted to use the esteemed King’s Awards emblem for five years.
For TMT First, the award validates a business model centered on technical repair innovation within the circular economy. The company’s collaboration with a global technology leader like Samsung provides a case study for how specialized service firms can drive sustainability in the electronics sector.
Looking ahead, TMT First is expected to continue promoting its MCR service and sustainable repair philosophy. The recognition from the King’s Award may facilitate further partnerships or expansion opportunities within the device repair and refurbishment industry. The company’s ongoing work will be monitored as a benchmark for innovation in reducing electronic waste and promoting longer-lasting consumer technology.
Source: Mobile News
