TMT First

What TMT First does

TMT First Limited is a UK-based, privately held mobile device repair, refurbishment, and IT asset disposition (ITAD) company headquartered in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. Founded in 2006 and operating from a 43,000 sq ft facility, the company processes approximately 250,000 devices per annum — spanning smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and accessories — and is a direct authorised service partner to Samsung (Accredited Service Centre), Apple (Independent Repair Provider), and Microsoft (Authorised Service Provider). It holds Police-Assured Secure Facility, Cyber Essentials Plus, ADISA, and ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications, supporting contracts with police forces, public-sector bodies, insurers, distributors, and enterprise fleet operators.

The company's core technology assets are Mobile Component Repair (MCR), a proprietary component-level repair process that takes around a year to design and was developed over 7,000 test repairs and which reduces repair costs by up to 30% per device; a Screen Burn Reduction software that reconfigures OLED display pixels to address burn-in; forensic-level data wiping via BlackBelt360; and the TMT Connect partner portal with API integration for self-service quoting, workflow, and account management. Quality control is enforced through a 60-point inspection applied inbound and outbound, and the business supports consumer retail through the wholly owned Meelie Mobile sub-brand for refurbished device sales and trade-in.

TMT First's revenue model blends per-repair fees, Service & Maintenance Agreement subscriptions for enterprise fleet customers, residual-margin buyback and trade-in (including precious-metal recovery through The Royal Mint and device shredding with a zero-landfill policy), and ITAD/data-wiping fees. Go-to-market combines OEM-direct authorised channel flow, B2B field sales to enterprise, blue-light, insurance, and public-sector accounts, a Samsung-branded walk-in Support Centre, and B2C via the Meelie Mobile storefront. The sales-led approach is digitised through TMT Connect while owner-founder Adam Whitehouse (Chair) and CEO Darren Billings lead a workforce in the 101–250 band, including 70+ manufacturer-trained technicians supplemented by a UK-first Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship developed with IfATE.

Name

TMT First

Legal name

TMT First Limited

Website

https://tmtfirst.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

TMT First is a UK-authorised mobile device repair and refurbishment operator processing approximately 250,000 devices annually via Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft authorisations. The firm serves enterprise fleets, public-sector bodies, OEMs, distributors, and consumers from its Staffordshire facility and through its Meelie Mobile retail brand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Device Repair Services

NAICS

Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121)

SIC

Retail-Radio, Tv & Consumer Electronics Stores (5731)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer Device Repair Services (Phones, Tablets, PCs) (CRACAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mobile Device (Smartphone/Tablet) Trade-in & Recycling (BPALAIAG)

Keywords

• Mobile device repair
• Device refurbishment
• IT asset disposal
• Secure data wiping
• Device fleet management

Headquarters

HQ city

Newcastle Under Lyme

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Device Repair Services: Repair of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, wearables and other electronic devices for individuals, businesses, and fleet operators. Services include screen repairs, battery replacement, charging port repairs, liquid damage repair, and component-level repairs. Revenue is generated on a per-repair, per-device basis.
2. Device Buyback and Trade-In: TMT First buys and sells new, refurbished and graded phones, tablets and laptops. They purchase old device fleets from businesses and sell refurbished devices through their Meelie Mobile retail brand. Revenue from the spread between purchase price and resale value.
3. Refurbishment and Grading Services: Refurbishment services including screen polish, battery refresh, screen burn reduction, professional cleaning, factory fitted screen protectors, data wipe and software upgrade. Devices are graded and resold through Meelie Mobile with up to 2-year warranty.
4. IT Asset Disposal (ITAD): IT asset disposal with secure data destruction, certified recycling, and device shredding. No waste goes to landfill. Precious metals are extracted through recycling partners including The Royal Mint. Revenue from disposal fees and recovered material value.
5. Service and Maintenance Agreements: Fleet management contracts providing device repair plans including agreed pricing, service levels, and number of repairs per month or year. Provides predictable recurring revenue from enterprise clients managing large device fleets.
6. Secure Data Wiping: Certified forensic-level data wiping service for smartphones, tablets and laptops. Includes on-site shredding for physical destruction. Revenue generated per device or per contract.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TMT First provides authorised mobile device repair, refurbishment, and lifecycle management services for phones, tablets, laptops, and wearables. As an authorised service partner for Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft, the company processes approximately 250,000 devices per annum from a 43,000 sq ft facility in Staffordshire. Complementary offerings include secure forensic-level data wiping, IT asset disposal (ITAD), device buyback and trade-in, and tailored fleet maintenance agreements, plus a consumer retail brand (Meelie Mobile) for refurbished device sales.

Product overview

TMT First is an award-winning tech repair centre operating as a one-stop shop for device lifecycle management. The core offering is mobile device repairs (phones, tablets, laptops, wearables) through approved partnerships with Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung, processing approximately 250,000 devices annually from their 43,000 sq ft Staffordshire facility. The TMT Connect Portal provides API-enabled self-service for partners. Meelie Mobile serves as the consumer-facing refurbishment brand. Key services include Mobile Component Repair (MCR) - an innovative process that repairs individual components rather than replacing modules - plus secure data wiping, ITAD, buyback/trade-in, and fleet management agreements. All repairs undergo a 60-point quality inspection process.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mobile Device Repairs Comprehensive authorised repair service for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables across Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and other OEM brands. Processes up to 250,000 devices per annum with an average repair time of 1.7 days. Covers screen repairs, battery replacement, charging port repairs, liquid damage repair, and component-level repairs for individual consumers, businesses, and fleet operators.
• Mobile Component Repair (MCR) An innovative branded repair service that repairs specific damaged components (e.g., LCD screens) individually rather than replacing entire display modules. Uses specialised robotic equipment and highly trained technicians. Reduces repair costs by up to 30% (saving up to £195 per Samsung screen repair) and reduces e-waste.
• Mobile Phone Refurbishment Comprehensive refurbishment service for mobile phones including screen polish, battery refresh, professional cleaning, factory-fitted screen protectors, data wipe, and software upgrades. Devices are graded and resold with up to a 2-year warranty, extending device life and increasing trade-in value.
• Quality Control & Grading Stringent 60-point quality inspection process applied by inbound and outbound teams, ensuring software configuration requirements are fully met before devices are returned or resold. Underpins the 99% right-first-time repair rate.
• Buyback and Trade-In Device buyback and trade-in service purchasing new, refurbished, and graded phones, tablets, and laptops. Provides revenue recovery for businesses retiring device fleets and supply of refurbished devices for resale.
• Secure Data Wipe Certified forensic-level data wiping service for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, delivered in partnership with BlackBelt360. Includes on-site shredding capability for physical device destruction with certification, GDPR compliance, and zero-landfill policy.
• Service and Maintenance Agreements Tailored annual repair plans for device fleets covering agreed numbers of repairs per month or year, fixed pricing, service levels, in-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs, and accidental damage coverage. Provides predictable recurring repair costs for enterprise fleet operators.
• TMT Connect Portal Partner portal with API integration enabling clients and partners to self-serve quote requests, manage accounts, submit quotes, track live device status, and manage workflow. Provides end-to-end digitised repair process and account management support for B2B clients.
• IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) Responsible IT equipment disposal service including full recycling facilities with zero waste to landfill, certified data destruction, on-site device shredding, and precious metal recovery through recycling partners. ADISA certified for IT Asset Disposal operations.
• Device Fleet Management Comprehensive fleet management service covering device repairs, maintenance, buyback, and disposal under standardised processes with agreed service-level agreements and dedicated account management for enterprise fleet operators.
• Meelie Mobile (Consumer Retail Brand) Consumer-facing retail brand of TMT First offering refurbished mobile phones, tablets, and laptops with up to a 2-year warranty, competitive trade-in prices, and quality checks. Holds a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from over 5,000 reviews and a 4.6-star Back Market rating from over 1,000 reviews.

Quantifiable outcome

• Repairs cost less than 25% of replacement device price
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and secondary.

• MicrosoftcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2024TMT First was appointed as a Microsoft Authorised Service Provider (ASP), providing both in-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs for Microsoft Surface devices. This partnership provides access to Microsoft's training, certification, advanced diagnostics, specialised tooling, and genuine parts.
• JCB ToughphonekeyOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2024TMT First was appointed as the service and repair partner for JCB Toughphone brand, supporting UK and European operations. JCB Toughphone required a partner with strong environmental credentials, innovative repair approach, and 'can do' attitude.
• ApplecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2020TMT First is an Apple Independent Repair Provider (IRP), providing both in-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs for Apple devices. As an IRP, they have access to Apple genuine parts, tooling and diagnostics, and their technicians receive Apple-specific training.
• SamsungcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2017TMT First is a Samsung Accredited Service Centre and Samsung's authorised refurbishment partner. They are one of only two Samsung Accredited Service Centres in the UK. The partnership includes access to Samsung GSPN diagnostics, genuine parts, tooling and training. TMT First was awarded Samsung Eco Service Partner Gold Certification. The Samsung Support Centre within TMT First's facility opened in 2017.
• BlackBelt360coreTechnology or IntegrationTMT First partners with BlackBelt360 for secure and certified data wiping, providing forensic-level data erasure with certification. This partnership ensures GDPR compliance and data security for all device processing.
• EcologisecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMT First partners with Ecologi for tree-planting and carbon offsetting. Over 50,000 trees have been planted through this partnership as part of the company's sustainability commitments.
• The Royal MintsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationTMT First works with The Royal Mint as a recycling partner to extract precious metals from shredded devices, supporting the zero-landfill policy and circular economy approach.
• Institute for Apprenticeships Tech Education (IfATE)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMT First partnered with IfATE to develop and launch the UK's first and only Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship. The 21-month qualification was developed over 18 months with a Trailblazer Group and is now being rolled out nationally.
• Stoke-on-Trent City CouncilkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerStoke-on-Trent City Council invested funding through the apprenticeship levy transfer to support six apprentices on the Digital Device Repair Technician Apprenticeship at TMT First. The Council also provides ongoing support for workforce development.
• Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (SBEN)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMT First founder Adam Whitehouse is Chair of SBEN. The network has reached 1,000 members and supports organisations across Staffordshire to achieve long-term sustainability. SBEN promotes collaboration on environmental activity and business opportunities.
• Staffordshire Chambers of CommercesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMT First became Patrons of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, joining a community of businesses dedicated to economic growth. Patron status provides access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and agencies.
• Globe Group CICsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMT First is headline sponsor of the Midlands Climate Expo organised by Globe Group CIC, a community interest company supporting businesses and communities on climate action. TMT First has sponsored the event for two consecutive years.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• iSmash: UK-based walk-in mobile device repair chain offering screen, battery and component repairs across Apple, Samsung and other smartphone brands. Most directly comparable UK peer in the consumer-facing device repair category, though operating at smaller scale than TMT First's 250,000 device annual throughput.
• Music Magpie: UK-based refurbished electronics, media and technology reseller buying and selling used phones, tablets, consoles and laptops. Closest UK-listed comparable for TMT First's Meelie Mobile trade-in and refurbishment business, with overlapping consumer-facing brand and supply chain.
• Mazuma Mobile: UK-based mobile phone trade-in, buyback and recycling company paying consumers and businesses for used devices. Directly comparable UK peer for TMT First's buyback and trade-in revenue stream, operating primarily through online channels rather than physical refurbishment.
• The Big Phone Store: UK retailer of refurbished and used smartphones with trade-in services and consumer warranties. Comparable as a UK refurbished device seller, though without TMT First's OEM-authorised service infrastructure or enterprise fleet contracts.
• Envirofone: UK-based mobile phone recycling and trade-in service (operated by Redeem), purchasing used devices from consumers and businesses for refurbishment or recycling. Comparable peer for TMT First's consumer trade-in and ITAD streams, operating primarily in the buyback value chain.

Broad incumbents

• uBreakiFix (Asurion): Large North American mobile device repair chain owned by Asurion, offering OEM-style repairs for smartphones, tablets and game consoles. Comparable repair-process and franchise model but materially larger scale and backed by Asurion's device protection ecosystem.
• Likewize: Global device lifecycle management business providing repair, insurance, refurbishment and ITAD services to enterprise and carrier clients. Closest enterprise-grade competitor to TMT First's service-and-maintenance agreement and ITAD offering, though operating globally rather than UK-focused.
• Assurant: US-listed global provider of device protection, repair and trade-in programmes, working with carriers, retailers and OEMs. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the device lifecycle services category that TMT First operates in, particularly around insurance-linked repair and trade-in.
• Back Market: Global marketplace for refurbished electronics backed by certified refurbishers, offering consumer warranty on second-hand smartphones, laptops and tablets. Comparable as a demand-side channel for graded refurbished devices that TMT First supplies via Meelie Mobile or wholesale.

Emerging players

• Reebelo: Sustainability-focused refurbished device marketplace and trade-in operator with presence in UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Comparable as an emerging player in the circular-economy device resale category where TMT First competes via Meelie Mobile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TMTFirstLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tmt-first-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/tmtfirst
• Xx.com/tmtfirst

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TMT First