Spotlight on ILM Highland
In our newest member spotlight, we’re happy to be joined by Angela Stewart, Business Development Manager at ILM Highland.
What does your social enterprise do?
ILM Highland is dedicated to reducing electrical waste, protecting the environment, and supporting vulnerable individuals to live independently at home.
How do you do it?
ILM Highland collects and recycles electrical waste from households and businesses, including large appliances.
By refurbishing appliances, we can offer quality used and new appliances through our retail premises and online store, making affordable options available to the community. ILM Highland prevents usable items from ending up in landfills, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
All profits generated from these services are reinvested into the local community, reinforcing ILM Highland’s commitment to social and environmental well-being.
Through services like Care & Repair and Handyperson assistance, ILM Highland helps older adults and people with disabilities maintain their independence by providing free home improvements and repairs.
Why should someone buy/use your product/services? What are the benefits and what makes your organisation unique?
ILM Highland is the only organisation in the Highlands offering a complete electrical waste solution—recycling, refurbishing, and reselling appliances with same-day collection and affordable pricing.
We champion reuse, repair, and responsible recycling to reduce waste and protect the environment.
For local businesses, we provide a one-stop service that includes electrical waste collection, PAT testing, and tailored maintenance contracts—making compliance simple and sustainable.
Every service we deliver directly supports vulnerable people across the Highlands to live independently and with dignity.
What is your personal motivation?
The organisation’s focus on combining environmental sustainability with community impact—aligns with my own values around making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
What is the current focus for your social enterprise?
Extending our reach into even the most remote Highland communities, we empower residents to dispose of electrical appliances responsibly, supporting both environmental sustainability and local well-being.
What exciting things do you have coming up?
We recently launched our Repair Café, giving the community a welcoming space to repair and reuse cherished items—often with deep personal or family meaning—while enjoying a cuppa, a slice of cake, and the chance to connect with others.
Who do you want to work with more?
We’re keen to expand our services to support local businesses—helping them stay compliant while generating additional revenue to sustain and grow our Care and Repair and Handyperson services.
What’s your biggest challenge?
We aim to educate businesses about our social mission, while assuring them they’re receiving a high-quality service delivered by our experienced and reliable team.
Where do you see your organisation in 5 years?
We want every domestic and commercial customer to know about ILM Highland and feel empowered to responsibly dispose of their electrical appliances—supporting independent living for more people across the Highlands. By partnering with like-minded organisations, we can champion a better way of doing business—one that creates employment, protects the environment, and provides vital support to older and disabled members of our community.
What top tips would you give to other social enterprises?
- Regularly communicate your social mission internally and externally – Highlighting the dual benefit: professional, reliable service and contributing to social impact.
- Collaborate with local authorities, charities, and aligned businesses.
- Provide meaningful training and progression opportunities for staff
- Pilot new ideas like community workshops, mobile services, or digital support.
For more information about ILM Highlands, please visit their website and make sure to follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Want to read more Member Spotlights? Visit our blog. If you’d like to be featured, please email membership@socialenterprise.scot.