Rapid IT’s ambitious renovation project

Padiham-based Rapid I.T is currently renovating its 8,500 sq ft building, with ambitions to recreate a work environment inspired by the famous Google offices. The Founder and MD of Rapid IT Jack Bannister exclusively told Burnley.co.uk his plans for the business, which provides refurbished computer hardware, recycled IT, communications solutions and audio-visual equipment.

The building has also recently had a 30kw solar installation by fellow Burnley business The Low Carbon Energy Company.

Google’s offices are famous for their slides between floors, games rooms, interactive screens and abundance of food and drink for their employees.

And Rapid IT is hoping to recreate a slice of Google at its 8,500 s ft building close to Gawthorpe Hall.

Rapid IT provides refurbished computer hardware, recycled IT, communications solutions and audio-visual equipment and works closely with schools to promote the cost and environmental benefits of using refurbished equipment.

Its founder and MD Jack Bannister told Burnley.co.uk: “We are passionate about speaking to schools about the cost and environmental savings you can make by using refurbished equipment, rather than going out and buying new. One recent fun project was with nearby Shuttleworth College.

We gave the pupils a tour then held a competition to see what they could build out of an old computer – it was really interesting to see what they came up with.”

Rapid IT has recently undergone a rebrand and knew that it needed to upgrade its building to provide more of a wow factor and improved environment for its employees, visitors and clients.

“It’s a very large space and the roof would sometimes leak, which isn’t nice for staff and doesn’t make the best impression on visitors either. Whilst everything scaled back during COVID-19, we took the opportunity to commence work on modernising the space. We worked with fellow Burnley business The Low Carbon Energy Company to install a 30kw solar roof to become carbon neutral with free electricity,”

Mr Bannister said.“I’m also keen to recreate some of the working environment Google has, including living green walls. Our ambition is for the offices to be modern and a fun place to be and work.”

He was born in Burnley and is passionate about contributing to the town’s growth. Mr Bannister praised the support he’d received from Burnley Borough Council over the past eight years, particularly from the business support team.“

The town is heading to a very positive place – it’s becoming a vibrant student town with lots of quality independent bars and restaurants. The early evening economy especially is growing and it’s great to see.

“The establishment of Burnley as a university town is great for businesses like us. We have a higher calibre of students we can draw upon. Rapid IT has a variety of roles, from sales to data wiping and production roles to logistics. We currently outsource our marketing, but it would be fantastic if we could have a marketing apprentice alongside that support,” Mr Bannister explained.

Padiham.org.uk looks forward to seeing the modernising vibrant space and best of luck to Rapid IT on their renovation project.