Director – joined CCL May 2001.

Before joining CCL, I was with a German company doing something similar in sales. I joined CCL as their sales manager and from there the role grew, as a small company I got to try on many different hats!

I was appointed to the board of Directors at CCL in 2012 culminating in the management buyout in October 2022 and becoming a shareholder and Director of the Optimum Eco Group.

The best part about CCL and our Group is most definitely the people and the fact that every day is different, I am still learning each and every day. We have a fantastic team, and it has been wonderful to watch it grow.

The lovely thing about it all is that the business and technology has changed but always a constant has been the people, we’ve retained a lot of our original staff and our customers.

Director – joined CCL in 2013

My background is originally in banking. After leaving the bank, I worked for a design company doing their finances.  In 2013 I joined CCL as Finance Manager. The role gradually developed and expanded from there. I was appointed to the board of Directors in 2018 and was delighted to become a shareholder when the Optimum Eco Group was formed in 2022.

Everything’s been very positive whilst I’ve been here, but the best part is the people we work with. I think all our colleagues are fantastic and we all get on well. The growth in the group has been exceptional and having both businesses now under the same umbrella and ownership is a great achievement!

Operations Director

I joined Restructa in September 2011, I was looking for something of a challenge after being involved in Logistics since leaving school.

I started as a Production Manager, this had a wide ranging remit from looking after production at our Irvine facility through to dealing with all of the transport and planning. I was invited onto the board of directors in 2015 and have not looked back since, it doesn’t feel like a job, it feels like home.

The best things are seeing our innovation over the years and how we adapt quickly to market trends.

Commercial Director – joined April 2024

I joined CCL, Restructa and the Optimum Eco Group in April 2024. Prior to that I I’ve worked in the recycling resource management industry for over 30 years.

I came into the business as commercial director for Optimum Eco Group, so for both businesses I’m very much focused on trying to raise awareness of the business throughout the country amongst government – both local and national and across the wider public and private sector in Scotland and beyond.

Working at Optimum Eco Group is great! I think there are a fantastic bunch of people who work in the business and are very much committed to driving it forward – it’s a very positive experience and a very friendly environment to be part of. Since I started, I think there have been some changes, and I think people are starting to see the benefits of Optimum Eco Group as an entity. We’re starting to see a coming together within both CCL and Restructa, which can only be good, and I think that will only get better as time goes on.

Administrative Assistant – joined CCL December 2019

Prior to joining CCL I worked as a receptionist at a local hotel and prior to that worked in call-centres. I joined CCL within the admin team,  dealing with paperwork, data entry and managing our database. Also involved in customer service.  

Probably the best thing about working at CCL is the people. It’s more like a family company than just coming into your work for the normal 9-5, but it’s definitely the people. There’s a lot more staff since I joined, and procedures have probably changed as we’ve grown.

The directors are very approachable and easy to get on with, there’s no hierarchy, you can approach them about anything and they’re always willing to help you. Many, many times they’ve helped out and it’s never been a hassle they’re more like a family.

Technical Sales Administrator – joined CCL April 2023.

I previously worked for a debt collection agency before joining.

My role is as a technical sales administrator and over the last year to two years has grown due to having more experience and more knowledge.

One of the best things about working here is how much of a relaxed, friendly environment it is. Compared to my previous workplaces I find it a lot more relaxed and much better for my mental health. I would definitely say that finishing at two on a Friday is another good thing.

The department I am in has grown and new processes put in place, so a few changes I guess since I initially started.

Recycling Operative – joined CCL, April 2003 so I’ve been here 21 years.

I started on stripdown – everybody started on stripdown, then I moved on to testing monitors, then I went on to refurb, and then back to stripdown – plus I drive the forklift.

The best thing is the job security and the people I work with. Worst thing I would honestly have to say, and this is my pet peeve, drivers taking pallet trucks without letting us know and leaving us without any.

It’s actually changed a lot since I started. It was basically scrap computers we were doing and then computer chips. And then we put a lot of racking up to store all the chips and we started doing small WEEE and all the racking had to go and changed it to as it is just now.

Best stories: Honestly, I would have to say work nights out, and the barbecues we used to have out the back, that was good.

I’ve been treated very well by CCL, I was off for about five months with sight issues with cataracts and mental health issues, but they were very supportive and I really appreciate it.

Technical Sales Operative, just over a year – joined November 2023.

Before I started I was at college. It’s been really fun getting to know all the guys because I’m usually more into being friends with guys so it was a lot easier to get to know everyone for sure.

Best thing about working here is just getting to know a lot more about technology. That’s something I really enjoy, And the worst thing is probably when it gets very cold in the winter. It’s changed a little, but not much in the last year.

Stripdown Supervisor – joined CCL (North) on June 2021

Before joining CCL, I worked in a slaughterhouse. I started work with CCL after covid, I went to the Job Centre and joined on a six-month Kickstarter program, and after that I got a full-time contract.

The best thing of working here is probably the people, and the work. It can be demanding at times but that’s good.

Not a lot has changed, but obviously we’re a lot busier now.

Admin Manager – Joined CCL 17 years ago, so 2008

Before I joined CCL I worked for a printing company, and prior to that I’d worked at an insurance broker too.

When I started at CCL it was predominantly in sales doing component resale. From there it’s progressed and turned into something totally different as we took on much more of the recycling sand refurbishment side and obviously there’s a lot of people involved with that.

The best thing about working CCL is it’s a good bunch of people to work with and it’s a great atmosphere, and a good laugh.

It has changed a lot. The industry’s changing, legislation’s changing too, so you’ve got to be up to speed with these things with POPs as an example and Vapes.

Recycling Operative – ‘cable cutter’, joined six months ago.

I am relatively new to the company and started initially in the stripdown area before moving to processing WEEE.

I love the early two o’clock finish on a Friday.

I am relatively new so haven’t noticed a lot of changes yet.

Business Development – joined CCL October 2022

Before I joined CCL, I worked as a Business Development Manager for a Pet Insurance Company, covering Scotland and NE England.

When I started with CCL, they had recently merged under the Optimum Eco Group, which made it an exciting time with many changes on the horizon.

With limited knowledge of the industry, I spent the first few months immersing myself and learning as much as I could. As I gained more understanding, I began networking extensively across various industries, focusing particularly on the public sector and building relationships with both existing and new customers.

While my role hasn’t changed much, we’ve gained several new contracts, and I now dedicate much of my time to strengthening these relationships and managing both current and potential clients.

The best part of working at CCL is the team. Many of the team members have been with the company for a long time, and their passion for the business and commitment to customer service is truly inspiring.

Since I joined, the business has grown significantly. We’ve been working closely with our colleagues at Restructa which has enabled us to improve our services for customers, and the growth continues.  It’s an exciting time as both companies approach their milestone anniversaries and I’m excited to be part of their journey for the next 20 to 25 years.

The most memorable part of my time with CCL has been learning about its journey from its beginnings to where it stands now. Without Bruce, the company wouldn’t be what it is today. His passion and drive inspire the entire team to continue moving forward and to build upon the strong foundations he’s established.

WEEE Supervisor, joined about 11 years ago

Before I joined CCL, I had previously worked as a minibus driver. I started with CCL on a government training course and it was good.

Best thing about working with CCL – It’s really steady work.

Worst thing – It can be very busy.

It’s changed quite a lot – when I started off, the volumes and the types of WEEE you get through.

Favourite stories – I remember when we had the barbecues outside, that was good. They look after us here, we get looked after – good bonuses.

Recycling Operative – joined CCL in early July 2023

Before I joined CCL, I was a waiter at the Riverside Lodge Hotel, and I was working there for about two years.

I joined as an apprentice on the production line in the refurb department. Since then, I’ve joined the resale and remarketing team..

Best stories: probably meeting all the people in the team and getting to know them all.

Recycling Operative – joined two years ago.

Before joining CCL I was working for an electrical company, delivering white goods.

I work processing the small WEEE.

Best thing about the company is the workforce, and the working times.

It hasn’t changed all that much since I started, but I’m relatively new to it.

Recycling Operative – May 2024

I work in the strip down section, where I mainly do strip down the vapes and also the servers, but mainly vapes.

Best thing about working for CCL is finishing early on a Friday because. I’ve never had a job finishing early on a Friday. Knowing that your wages are going to be paid in a set every four weeks, and just the good colleagues that I work with basically.

I don’t think there’s been all that many changes since I’ve been here – it’s only been seven months!

Recycling Operative – joined October 2019.

Before joining CCL, I was at college. I started in the stripdown area dismantling computers. Since then,  I’ve became more involved around the factory, doing a lot more individual jobs and going out with drivers. Over the years I’ve enjoyed the different aspects, it’s been a lot of fun.

The best thing about working for CCL is it’s just a community,  people are working for the same reasons I’m working here, everyone just works for each other.

Since I started the layout of the factory has changed, there’s a lot more people, I would say it’s definitely changed for the better.

Office Administrator

Service Technician, been with CCL for 14 and a half years

I was working in an animal feed factory in Ayr before I joined CCL. When I started, I was stripping down TVs. Now I’m a shredder operator.

Best thing about working for CCL is probably finishing on Friday at 2pm. I don’t really have a ‘worst’ thing – I don’t have anything bad to say about it.

How has it changed since you started? It’s got much bigger and busier.

Recycling Operative – joined CCL in August 2024

Before I joined CCL, I was with another recycling company. I started with CCL in the strip down area and occasionally going out to assist drivers with collections.  Best thing is working with the computers, and there’s nothing bad.

One time when I was out in a van with one of the drivers in Edinburgh one of the recycling sites had its own falcon sitting on the site to scare the other birds away – that’s a pretty cool thing to see.

Network Server Engineer – joined CCL November 2022

I’ve been here for just over two years. Before that, I was the facility health and safety manager, I did that for a couple of years. For 28 years before that, I worked as an electronics engineer and engineer manager in networking equipment.

My job at CCL is to process servers and networking equipment, and process for reuse. I also manage the ReBorn brand, trying to achieve reuse on a variety of electrical items like small electrical appliances, lab equipment and retro computing and gaming equipment. The biggest part of that job is actually doing the research into the items, we’ll get a lot of kind of wacky stuff that comes in, not really sure what it is..

Best things about working at CCL – I’ve spent so long working for huge companies, it’s actually really nice to come to such a small company which has like 50 employees and pretty much everybody does know everybody. Everybody should be able to get to know exactly everybody else’s strengths and weaknesses and how they go about their work. I think a lot has changed in the last two years, we are constantly improving.

Recycling Operative – joined CCL April 2024

I joined CCL about nine months ago and prior to that worked in for a local government agency.

I joined within the refurbishment department and am still there.. Best thing about CCL is probably the hours, it’s working well for me alongside my family life, obviously the 2pm finish on Friday is ideal for my family.

Worst thing is probably that it can be a bit repetitive. I wouldn’t say much has changed in the last eight to nine months,  and it’s just the best. The team that I work with is just a good bunch of people, very easy to integrate with.

Recycling Operative – I joined CCL in 2007, I think.

Before I joined , I had many jobs including baker, working on building sites, worked for delivery companies, I’ve done lots of different things.

When I joined, I worked my way around the different roles in the factory.  Now I am based in the refurb team handling the packaging and that which is pretty good. I enjoy it.

Best thing – I like that it’s close by. I like recycling. I like that aspect of it of being sustainable and protecting the environment.

How much has it changed? It’s very much the same place, a lot of the same people are still here or have been for many years. So that’s a good thing.

There’s a lot that’s happened when I’ve been here, but I just like all the people that have been here over the years – everybody’s got their own story.

Technical Sales Operative– joined CCL in June 2022

I joined CCL on an apprenticeship – it was just a good opportunity to take. Before I joined the company I was just at college doing computing. I’ve always been at the sales department, also, as an apprentice I was at the production line, and over time I went from being an apprentice to just being a regular employee, and now I sell stuff on Ebay too.

The best thing is just working with computers, I’ve always had an interest so it’s good to work in something like that I’m interested in – worst thing is that the factory can get really cold. How much has it changed – I was just 18 when I started, it was my first job, I’m 20 now so I’ve matured a lot and I know a lot more about computers and laptops now.

Goods In Supervisor – joined coming up eight years ago now.

I joined CCL Initially through a government training scheme. Before I joined – a string of rubbish jobs, to be honest, did some call centre stuff. One day me and my mate went to B&Q, bought a ladder and then we go door to door offering to clear gutters – I don’t miss those days! When I started with CCL as a WEEE operative, but most recently I got promoted which is grand, I love it.

Easily the best thing about working at CCL is the people – everyone’s brilliant, dead relatable, the work culture is brilliant, it’s quite casual, everyone’s really approachable.

I couldn’t even tell you what the worst thing is – I’ve no complaints – maybe the half-hour cycle to work?!. No, I’ve no complaints, I’m really happy and look forward to the future.

Everything’s good, it’s a growing business – we must be doing well! Every day is a great day. We get a laugh and the day is flying. Yeah, it’s a great place to be at.

Logistics Administrator – joined CCL in January 2008.

I joined back in 2008 as a sales administrator and the role has evolved to include logistics support too. Before I joined CCL, I worked with a media company. I would say the best thing about CCL is my colleagues, the people around us, it’s good and we have a good, good laugh at times. The business has changed massively since I started 17 years ago and it’s really expanded.

Van driver – joined CCL in February 2001.

When I first started, we were dealing mainly with components and printed circuit boards. As the type of business the company did changed,  I began driving for the company, doing collections from customers.

To me CCL has always been like a family – as long as you work well, you’re encouraged to use your own initiative. I’ve always been looked after and it’s been a good company.

It’s changed vastly because when we started the company was probably 12 employees, from there it expanded and different aspects of the business were taken on, I am not sure how many there are of us now. We’re still expanding, and the only thing really stopping us is the premises.

There’s always a laugh, and there’s always something happening, and that makes it pleasant to work here.

Small WEEE Operative – joined about 11 years ago.

Before joining CCL, I was unemployed for quite a while and was looking for employment. I joined CCL on a government training scheme and thankfully was kept on.

I started out working on the shredder and doing the small WEEE.

Best thing is the job and having weekends off is always an ideal, spend a bit of time with the family. Obviously good hours and you know the pay’s good and the staff and the bosses are friendly to work with. I wouldn’t say there’s any ‘worst’ things.

Technical Sales Manager, CCL North – joined in June 2015

Before joining CCL, I worked for another electronics recycling company. I worked there for 10 years since leaving university, and then Bruce came along and asked me to join CCL.

The role has grown into more of production management role and I now oversee the refurbishment department with a team of around 15 to 16 people, realising value through reuse and repair on equipment, components and parts.

Best things – One of the things I like about the CCL is the flexibility that I’ve had since I was here. In previous jobs it was a lot more rigid, and you were told precisely what you should be doing at any one time. Bruce seems to have the approach of giving a bit more flexibility to define your own job role and do what you thought was best for the company. I think we’ve got a good team of people, generally a good bunch of guys.

It’s changed quite a lot since I started here, we’ve grown in terms of the number of people that we have, and I think the quality of the staff has improved over that time as well.

Assistant Manager – Refurb department – joined CCL in 2013

Before I joined CCL I worked as a manufacturing engineer and when I started I was a driver and now I’m working mainly in the resale part of the refurb team and dealing with customers be it for single items or lots of different items.

Best thing about working for CCL – nobody is on your back too much and people just let you get on with what you have to do. Worst thing, I think it probably leads back to the best thing it’s sometimes a little bit too laid back from other employees.

How much has changed – we’ve got a lot busier since I started especially doing the resale like the things that I’ve dealt with has been much busier, we’ve got a big backlog at the moment, so we’re constantly trying to work to get that down.