• The GM Technology Fund sources unused or surplus devices from businesses across the city region to help residents who face barriers to digital access.
• Virgin Media O2 and Autotrader amongst the first organisations to pledge devices phase four of the initiative.
• The Fund has previously supported more than 3,500 young people in schools and colleges across Greater Manchester. 

Mayor Andy Burnham and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) are calling on businesses across the city region to donate unused laptops, phones, and other IT equipment to help tackle digital exclusion through the Greater Manchester Technology Fund (GM Tech Fund) for Families and Communities. 

The GM Tech Fund facilitates the secure wipe, refurbishment, and redistribution of donated devices to residents who face barriers to digital access. These devices offer a vital lifeline, connecting people to essential services, education, and loved ones. 

Since its initial launch in 2020, the Fund has so far supported over 3,500 young people in schools and colleges across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. This latest phase expands the mission to reach more families and communities, aligning with Greater Manchester’s commitment to digital inclusion and helping more residents live well. 

Several major organisations have already pledged their support. Telecommunications firm Virgin Media O2 was a founding supporter of the original Technology Fund in 2020, contributing through the Local Full Fibre Programme. Now, they’re reaffirming their commitment with a new pledge of 1,000 refurbished devices sourced from their supply chain.  

The UK’s leading automotive marketplace and Manchester tech business Autotrader has committed to donate 100 laptops over the next three months. Autotrader’s pledge reflects their broader commitment to sustainability and digital inclusion, as its repurposed devices are put to meaningful use and in the hands of people who need them. 

The Mayor launched the renewed appeal at the Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Summit on 29 October 2025.  

It comes at a time when 1.5 million UK residents remain offline due to lack of access to a suitable device, and 26 per cent of young people do not have access to a laptop or similar technology.  

Ending digital exclusion and ensuring everyone in the city region can thrive in the digital age is one of the key pillars set out in the Greater Manchester Strategy earlier this year. Getting people online and growing their skills and confidence is essential to Live Well, Greater Manchester‘s community-led approach to providing everyday support in all neighbourhoods to enable residents to live happier, healthier lives. 

In partnership with social enterprise Community Computers, the GM Tech Fund ensures all donated devices are professionally refurbished and distributed to those most in need, supporting GMCA’s mission to make digital inclusion a reality for everyone, regardless of income or background. 

Businesses can pledge their support and find out more about how to donate on the GMCA website: The Greater Manchester Technology Fund - Greater Manchester Combined Authority or can contact the GMCA directly at gmcadigital@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk 

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

“Digital inclusion isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s accessing healthcare, applying for jobs, or helping children with homework, being online is essential to everyday life. That’s why we’re relaunching the Greater Manchester Technology Fund, a practical, community-powered solution to digital poverty. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses who can step up to pledge devices, helping to keep communities connected and ensuring that nobody in our city region gets left behind." 

Councillor Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council and GMCA Lead for Digital, said:

“Digital inclusion is a cornerstone of our ambition to help people live well in Greater Manchester. It aligns with our ambition to remove the everyday barriers that prevent people from thriving, and access to technology is one of the biggest. This Fund is a brilliant example of how we can work together across sectors and help families and communities who are currently shut out of the digital world.” 

Speaking after the donation of devices from the GM Tech Fund in 2023, Nicola Holland, Head of Department at Hope School and College said:

“The students are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the devices provided. The students have been motivated to engage with the activities and have been able to expand their digital skills in relation to different operating systems.” 

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“We’re proud to build on Virgin Media O2’s long-term partnership with the GMCA by donating 1,000 smartphones sourced from our supply chain to the 2026 Tech Fund, to help communities across Manchester get online. 

“This will help to tackle e-waste by putting refurbished phones into the hands of people who need them, helping them access essential services, such as applying for work, booking medical appointments or teenagers being able to do their homework, and so they can stay in touch with loved ones.” 

Businesses interested in supporting the initiative can find out more about how to donate on the GMCA website: The Greater Manchester Technology Fund - Greater Manchester Combined Authority or can contact the GMCA directly at gmcadigital@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk