About Us

Since 1997, Bargain Hardware has set the standard for build-to-order refurbished enterprise-class IT hardware. Our advanced e-commerce system provides real-time pricing and inventory for servers, workstations, networking equipment, desktop PCs, laptops and more. With a catalogue of over 10,000 components in stock and ready for next-day shipping, we ensure fast and reliable service across the UK, Europe, and worldwide.

From our 25,000 sq ft facility in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, we serve clients ranging from schools and small businesses, to global hosting providers and Fortune 500 companies. Our exceptional service, technical expertise, and passion for IT hardware allow us to deliver first class solutions tailored to your needs at an affordable price.

Diversity, Sustainability, Innovation

Bargain Hardware is a proudly British and European company with a diverse workforce from 10 countries and customers across 5 continents and 70 nations. As part of 1st Technologies LTD, we aim to lead the global refurbished IT hardware market. Committed to sustainability, we champion the circular economy by extending IT asset lifecycles, reducing waste, and delivering cost-effective, high-quality solutions.

As a Northern Powerhouse Programme partner, we help promote the North’s economic potential. Through investments in technology, workforce development, and community initiatives, we support the programme’s goals to enhance skills, foster innovation, and drive trade and investment. This partnership reflects our commitment to growth and showcasing the North as a thriving business hub.

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Our Story

1997

Humble Beginnings

Founded by Stuart Redman and Jim Pilling in Preston, 1st Technologies began in a small office with minimal resources, building strong supplier and customer networks.

Starting without stock, their determination and resourcefulness laid the groundwork for the company’s rapid growth and enduring success.

1999

First Expansion

Moving to a 2,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Ribchester allowed expansion into Europe, and we introduced a small engineering department for refurbishment and system processing.

This marked the beginning of operations beyond the UK, enabling 1st Technologies to grow its reputation and customer base.

2001

Scaling Operations

A 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Bee Mill, Ribchester provided the space needed to increase inventory and workforce.

Embracing e-commerce for the first time, the company positioned itself to meet growing demand from UK and European customers.

2006

Diversification

ICT Direct launched to support public sector needs, and Bargain Hardware began serving retail and SME markets through online channels.

This strategic move solidified the company as a leading UK computer broker with a significant European presence.

2012-2018

Investing in Growth

Expanded with another 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse, employing 50 staff and enhancing operations with a new ERP system and websites.

Investments in staff development and technology ensured streamlined operations and better service for customers worldwide.

2021

ISO Accreditation

Achieved ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, highlighting commitments to quality, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety.

These certifications underscored the company’s dedication to excellence, benefiting customers and employees alike.

2024

Continued Expansion

Expanded with dedicated desktop and laptop facilities, hiring over 70 staff and launching a new website for enhanced customer experience.

With extended warranties and global shipping, Bargain Hardware continues to grow and innovate in a competitive market.

Our Process

1 Purchasing

We source high-quality enterprise and business-class IT hardware from trusted suppliers. The equipment we refurbish comes from environments like end-of-lease contracts, data centre relocations, and office upgrades. Often housed in climate-controlled rooms, these systems are in excellent working condition, ideal for reuse.

If you’re looking to sell used business-class hardware, we provide an excellent return on your initial investment. As specialists in refurbished IT hardware, we ensure a seamless process, helping you maximise value while contributing to environmentally friendly IT hardware solutions.

Close up of servers stacked on a warehouse shelf with labels.

2 Handling

All pre-owned servers, workstations, PCs, and laptops are carefully transported to our facility, where they undergo a meticulous refurbishment process. Each machine is thoroughly cleaned inside and out, rigorously tested, and disassembled to component level.

Once refurbished, the components are added to our live, website-synced inventory system and securely stored in one of 10,000 dedicated warehouse locations. This ensures every item is ready for seamless integration into your IT environment.

An engineers hands using an air compressor to blow out dust from a desktop PC.

3 Inventory

Our extensive inventory of computer systems, spare parts, and components ensures unmatched availability and pricing on everything from processors and memory to storage drives and network cards. This breadth of stock provides customers with unparalleled choice, enabling them to find exactly what they need at competitive prices.

Our advanced online configurator enables millions of possible configurations for refurbished servers, workstations, PCs, and laptops. With real-time inventory synchronisation, every item offered is physically in stock and ready for build-to-order customisation, making us the leading provider of tailored refurbished systems.

Warehouse worker using a cherry picker to remove a server from a rack in a warehouse.

4 Built To Order

Our e-commerce-integrated assembly process ensures that your exact specifications are picked, assembled, and pass through quality control with maximum efficiency. While a custom-configured server from traditional manufacturers can take up to two weeks to arrive, our in-stock systems are built and dispatched in less than half the time and at a fraction of the cost.

With over two decades of experience in building enterprise IT equipment, we’ve developed time-honoured expertise passed down to every one of our skilled technicians. Each system is carefully assembled on-site in Lancashire within an ESD-protected environment, ensuring precision, professionalism, and rigorous multi-point quality checks.

5 Quality Control & Testing

Both custom-built systems and individual components undergo rigorous testing using a combination of proprietary software and original OEM diagnostics where applicable. This meticulous process ensures that every system and component meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Our refurbished solutions benefit from real-world usage and comprehensive testing at our facility, ensuring exceptional reliability and performance. With our ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, we adhere to globally recognised standards for quality, sustainability, and workplace safety. This dedication allows us to confidently offer industry-leading warranties across all refurbished systems, providing you with peace of mind and guaranteed quality.

Engineer handling a workstation computer at a bench in a warehouse setting.

6 Packaging & Shipping

With over two decades of experience selling through e-commerce channels, we have perfected our services and packaging & shipping processes to handle any requirement. Whether it’s a single processor, a workstation, or a pallet of servers, our dispatch team ensures every shipment is carefully packed to arrive safely, on time, and ready for deployment.

Serving customers in over 70 countries, we deliver to all six continents using trusted transport partners. With reliable carriers like UPS, DPD, and Kuehne + Nagel, we ensure seamless global logistics, while major European destinations can often receive deliveries within 24 hours.

Stack of branded boxes on a trolley in a warehouse.

Sales & Support

Our engineers and customer support team bring decades of experience, allowing them to address pre-sales and post-sales queries with speed and accuracy. During European working hours, you can reach us via live chat directly from our website. For quotes, additional information or assistance, please visit our Contact Us page.

For complex or high-level requests, our in-house engineers provide expert technical support, replicating configurations on-site for thorough troubleshooting. Business customers meeting annual spend requirements can access our account management programme, offering exclusive promotions, bulk discounts, and tailored product sourcing support.

Woman typing at a computer in an office.

Expertise

Hardware is our passion, reflected in the expertise of our team and the quality of the products we deliver. Strong relationships with major OEMs and manufacturers provide our team with deep industry knowledge, enabling us to stay ahead of new technological advancements and act swiftly to integrate them.

We continuously strive to exceed expectations through innovation in system development, material handling, and diagnostics. By leveraging advancements in technology, we consistently deliver faster, more cost-effective, and more sustainable solutions for our customers.

Two engineers talking in front of a warehouse computer desk.

Get in touch

Our friendly experts are on hand to answer your questions

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+44 (0)1254 878801

Available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 (UK time)

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sales@bargainhardware.co.uk

Available Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00 (UK time)

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