The Oxygen Awards went live earlier this month.
Here we catch up with Mike Mclellan, MD of Gold sponsor KOcycle, to find out why they are backing the event.
Why is KOcycle backing the Oxygen Awards?
We believe there should be a construct and a style of awards that highlights smaller and different categories for individuals and businesses. I think there are some phenomenal businesses in the channel that are doing really good things, and there should be a mechanism of being able to support and award those types of organisations.
You’re category sponsor for the Organic Growth Award. Why does this topic resonate with you?
We take social impact very seriously at KOcycle, and it’s part of our company DNA. We created project KODI for exactly that – delivering real-world impact and seeing technology placed in the hands of people that need it most and who genuinely benefit is something that is a core value of KOcycle.
On top of that, being a B Corp we have volunteering days, and we do charity fundraisers. We believe that purpose before profit is what businesses should be doing.
What is KOcycle’s USP?
I would start with our people. Our people are fantastic. We deliver exceptional services with world-class NPS scores and consistently growing feedback from all of the end users and partners we’re working with. We understand that businesses need flexibility and solutions that fit for them, and that’s why we work with our clients through the channel to create solutions that are frictionless and deliver value.
And then I think our passion as well. Every single person who is part of KOcycle – who we call ‘KOcyclers’ – has a has a passion for doing the right thing and for doing good. And I think once you genuinely have that passion, and hold yourself to very high standards in your support of the circular economy, that shows in front of our clients.
What’s one thing KOcycle has in store for the rest of 2026?
I’m absolutely delighted to say that KOcycle has won the King’s Award for Enterprise, for sustainable development, this year, which is a massive achievement for us, and is going to really help us.
In terms of what else we have in store for the rest of 2026, there are things around expansion of premises, of people – there’s a lot of growth we’re seeing building, so keep your eyes peeled.
What’s the recipe for growth in the UK IT channel right now?
I would say building and maintaining genuine relationships that are built on trust, and built on a shared vision for a better future. We’re seeing more and more a fantastic community of partners and organisations out there who really want to do the right thing, and together we are having a massive impact to the communities that we serve and support, and to the environment.
This article was produced in association with KOcycle is classified as partner content. What is partner content? See more here.
