Familiarise yourself with our careful crafted and curated award categories covering all aspects of our industry to ensure that all individuals and organisations are recognised for their contributions to the landscape of the re-used and re-loved technology market.
Subject to change.
Recovery & Refurbishing
Refurbisher (Smartphone)
Who’s leading the way and offering cutomers and industry the best? We’re talking service, sustainability, pricing and allround excellence. Open to any refurbisher selling smartphones in the European market, we want to hear about your business performance and work to progress the secondhand smartphone sector.
Category Criteria
Best Refurbisher
Performance and Growth
Information about how the business has developed over the last 12 months and any new initiatives launched.
Assessment and Grading
Set up, quality and scope of assessment and grading processes.
Warranty
What’s the offer and how does it compare to the rest of the market?
Customer Reviews & Satisfaction
Case studies, customer satisfaction levels and any detail about how the applicant engages with its customers to measure and improve upon satisfaction levels.
Comms & Outreach
Evidence of campaigns to promote refurbished devices, raise awareness of e-waste and encourage recycling.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Refurbished Vendor Programme
An increasing number of consumer technology brands are switching on to the refurbished opportunity. This award is to recognise the brands delivering excellence through their certified refurbished programmes, and is open to vendors of products including laptops, desktop PCs, tablets and smartphones.
Category Criteria
Refurbished Vendor Programme
Scope of Programme
Outline of the programme offered to customers (consumer and B2B) including warranty, incentives and level of promotion to drive refurbished sales.
Business Performance
How well has the refurbished programme performed over the last 12 months? Evidence of growth and programme development.
Returns, Repairs and Recycling
What processes are in place, how are they managed and any evidence as to performance levels.
Customer Reviews
Case studies and testimonials to support your application.
Trade In Programme (Retail)
Retail has an important role to play in device recovery and encouraging customers to recycle their old tech. This award is for retailers operating in Europe with an in-store and/or online trade in programme for smartphones.
Category Criteria
Trade In Retail
Scope and Set Up
Outline of the services offered to customers online and in-store? Comprehensive explanation of the trade in process and explanation as to why your set up sets you apart from the rest of the market.
Communications
Evidence of trade in campaigns, advertising and in-store signage to engage customers and promote trade in offers.
Performance
Collection rates and customer satisfaction levels – demonstrable impact of the trade in programme
Reuse and Recycle
The overall circular picture and how many of the collected devices are refurbished vs resold vs recycled
Sustainability
Evidence of measurement of the trade in programme, improvements made and any associated reporting.
Trade in Programme (Mobile Network)
Network providers across Europe are creating new programmes and offers to drive up trade in rates and value to their customers. Submit your entry now and showcase your progress and success in the Best Trade In Programme by Mobile Network category.
Category Criteria
Trade In Programme – Mobile Network
Scope and Set Up
Outline of the services offered to customers online and in-store? Comprehensive explanation of the trade in process and explanation as to why your set up sets you apart from the rest of the market.
Communications
Evidence of trade in campaigns, advertising and in-store signage to engage customers and promote trade in offers.
Performance
Clear evidence of collection rates and customer satisfaction levels
Reuse and Recycle
The overall circular picture and how many of the collected devices are refurbished vs resold vs recycled
Sustainability
Evidence of measurement of the trade in programme, improvements made and any associated reporting.
Trade in Programme (B2B)
This award is for resellers and service providers who offer smartphone trade in programmes to business customers.This award is to recognise the excellent work being done to recover redundant devices and develop circular practices in the B2B sector.
Category Criteria
Trade-In Programme B2B
Scope and Customer Profile
Clear presentation of the company types and sectors addressed by the applicant.
Trade in Process
Details about the applicant’s services and solutions
Performance
Evidence of collection rates and customer satisfaction levels
Reuse and Recycle
The overall circular picture and how many of the collected devices are refurbished vs resold vs recycled
Sustainability
Evidence of measurement of the trade in programme, improvements made and any associated reporting.
Logistics
Logistics partners provide an essential service to the refurbished smartphone channel. Supporting supply chains, optimising reverse logistics programmes and developing greener practices to reduce carbon footprint. This award celebrates the best logistics providers for business performance, customer satisfaction and sustainability progress.
Category Criteria
Logistics
Business, performance and growth
Clear presentation on how the business has developed over the last 12 months including financial performance, scope of operations and country coverage.
Services
Range of services offered and evidence of client support.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Testimonials and evidence of positive customer ratings.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Innovation & Performance
Mobile Accessory
This award is for mobile accessory brands operating in the European market that are driving circularity and sustainability forward through material innovation, circular programmes, supply chain excellence and ethical business practices.
Category Criteria
Mobile Accessories
Business Performance
Details of how the B2C and B2B business has developed over the last 12 months – sales, retail expansion, new markets and country coverage.
Innovation
Evidence to demonstrate how the brand is standing out in a crowded market. Explain how you are innovating in your approach to business, product development and culture?
Materials & Circular Thinking
What work is going into pushing sustainability forward through material innovation. How does your product line up compare to the rest of the market and can you demonstrate any circular approaches to design and product lifecycle.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Startup of the Year
Startups play an essential part to any and every industry. They bring new ideas and energy as well as urgency to solving industry challenges. This is especially prudent to the smartphone industry and circular economy. This award celebrates startups delivering gamechanging solutions and services that support the key circular principles.
Category Criteria
Start Up of the Year
Company Set Up
What level of investment have they received? What round? Is the Founder/Founders still part of the business or playing an active role?
The Need & Innovation
Clear presentation as to the problem / challenge the start up intends to address. Highlight what’s innovative about the
product, service or solution and provide clear reasoning about the market potential.
Proof of Concept
Quantifiable impact and results in the form of case studies, sales performance, industry reaction and press coverage.
Device As A Service (DaaS)
Device as a Service is becoming an increasingly popular alternative for businesses of all sizes to buying and managing their own devices. DaaS (Device as a Service) and device rental platforms are a great way to extend product lifecycles and reduce e-waste. This award is to recognise the service providers driving the industry forward and championing circular principles for the smartphone, laptop and tablet rental business.
Category Criteria
Best DaaS Provider
Breadth of Service
Please outline the extent of your services that support circular principles, and details of the sectors you work with (B2B / B2C)
Business performance
How has the business performed over the last 12 months. Highlight any new services launched or programmes introduced during this time.
Finance
Please outline the onboarding process and provide some insights into contract terms and conditions.
Customer Experience
Testimonials and case studies to support your application are highly recommended
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Marketing Campaign
We’re on the look out for the industry’s stand out marketing and advertising campaigns. This category is open to networks, brands, recyclers and refurbishers. It’s about impact, creativity and results. Submit your work from the last 18 months and be in with a chance of winning the Best Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Category Criteria
Marketing Campaign
Reach, Planning and Scope
What were the campaign objectives, how well was the campaign executed, who was involved – a comprehensive overview of how the campaign was conceived, developed and delivered.
Impact & Outcomes
What were the campaign KPIs and to what extent did the campaign meet them? ROI from the campaign (e.g. sales, devices collected, increased social followers, conversion rates etc…)
Materials
Clear and well presented supporting materials to accompany the application.
Industry Business Excellence Award
This award is for the behind the scenes players who are doing incredible work to keep the second hand smartphone industry moving forward. The Mobi Hub management team will recognise the companies doing exceptional work to support the second hand smartphone industry.
Category Criteria
Industry Business Excellence Award
Business Acumen
Evidence of critical business thinking and action. What has the applicant done in the last 12 months to take their business to the next level.
Performance and Growth
Case study or evidence to demonstrate excellence in performance
Circularity Hero
Is there someone who stands out a passionate supporter of the circular economy? An effective driver of the 2nd hand smartphone industry? We want to recognise the people who are going above and beyond to make a difference and drive change.
Category Criteria
Circularity Hero
Leadership
How has the nominated individual shown leadership to further the circular economy in Europe
Innovation and Change
How has the individual driven innovation and change in the industry? What impact have they made directly through their platform or through their business / charity / organisation?
Best Use Of AI
From diagnostics to repair, AI enabled services and solutions are transforming the industry’s move towards a more circular future. This award is for a service or technology driven by AI that’s delivering tangible results in refurbishing, repair and recycling industries.
Category Criteria
Best Use of AI
Impact
Tell us about the problem you are solving and the measurable outcomes.
Innovation
Clear presentation and argument about how innovative the application of AI.
Market Potential
Spell out the extent to which the solution or service can have a positive impact on industry and circularity.
Business & Operations
Best Payment Service Provider
Providing a secure and reliable platform for payments is critical to ensure trust between customers and sellers. This award is for the provider who excels at providing first class service levels, value for money and user friendly solutions to the refurbished industry.
Category Criteria
Best Payment Service Provider
Business Performance
Comprehensive presentation of the business and its performance over the last 12 months
Services and Development
Details of businesses supported in the circular economy
Customer Satisfaction
Supporting material and information regarding service levels and customer ratings
Best Investment Platform
For the circular industry, investment platforms have a key role to play in the development of refurbishers, marketplaces and service providers. This award is for the companies providing reliable, ethical and ambitious investment to support the growth of the European refurbished industry.
Category Criteria
Best Investment Platform
Business Performance and Development
Comprehensive presentation of how the business has performed and developed over the last 12 months.
Impact
Details of businesses supported, type of investments made and evidence of impact / results where available.
Customer Satisfaction
Supporting material and information regarding service levels and customer ratings
Best Parts Supplier
The flow and availability of spare parts has a vital role to play in Europe’s smartphone repair and refurbishment industry. This award is to acknowledge the very best distributor / provider of parts in the European market.
Category Criteria
Best Parts Supplier
Scope and Coverage
Details of the extent of the catalogue carried, brands supported, customer base and country coverage.
Customer Satisfaction
Evidence of market performance and customer satisfaction
Business Performance
Company growth and development over the last 12 months
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Best Smartphone Trader
Traders are at the core of the smartphone circular economy, supplying second hand devices to businesses and consumers across Europe. This award recognises those delivering excellence and representing the highest standards of business performance for the European market.
Category Criteria
Best Smartphone Trader
Business Performance
Outline of business performance and development over the last 12 months
Customer Satisfaction
Service levels and customer ratings. Examples of reliable customer ratings and case studies.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Quality of Application
Judges will be paying extra attention to the supporting materials and quality of the application itself to present the applicant’s case for this award.
Online Marketplace (Smartphone)
The Best Online Marketplace for Smartphones award is open to any marketplace selling refurbished or reconditioned smartphones in the Europe.
Category Criteria
Online Marketplace – Smartphone
Business Performance
Outline of business performance and development over the last 12 months
Circular Development
Details of services offered that support circular principles (e.g. takeback programmes, recycling initiatives, repair offers etc…)
Customer Satisfaction & Seller Management
Service levels and customer ratings. Outline of the 3rd party seller on boarding process and management.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Innovation & Creativity
Highlight any campaigns, initiatives, partnerships or programmes to engage customers and champion circularity
Online Retailer (Smartphone)
The Best Online Retailer award is open to any e-tailer selling refurbished or reconditioned smartphones in the Europe.
Category Criteria
Online Retailer – Smartphone
Business Performance
Outline how the business has performed and developed over the last 12 months
Circular Development
Describe any services offered to customers that support circular principles (e.g. takeback programmes, recycling initiatives, repair offers etc…)
Customer Satisfaction
Service levels and customer ratings
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Innovation & Creativity
Highlight any campaigns, initiatives, partnerships or programmes to engage customers and champion circularity
Logistics
Logistics partners provide an essential service to the refurbished smartphone channel. Supporting supply chains, optimising reverse logistics programmes and developing greener practices to reduce carbon footprint. This award celebrates the best logistics providers for business performance, customer satisfaction and sustainability progress.
Category Criteria
Logistics
Business, performance and growth
Clear presentation on how the business has developed over the last 12 months including financial performance, scope of operations and country coverage.
Services
Range of services offered and evidence of client support.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Testimonials and evidence of positive customer ratings.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Diagnostics (Product Assessment)
Device testing is a key stage of the refurbishing process and accuracy is paramount to determining the viability and value of a second hand smartphone. This award is to recognise the diagnostics providers delivering cutting edge services utilising the latest technologies.
Category Criteria
Best Use of AI
Impact
Tell us about the problem you are solving and the measurable outcomes.
Innovation
Clear presentation and argument about how innovative the application of AI.
Market Potential
Spell out the extent to which the solution or service can have a positive impact on industry and circularity.
OEM Distributor
This award is open to OEM distributors operating in the European market, delivering excellence in service, performance, customer satisfaction, sustainability progress and business results.
Category Criteria
OEM Distributor
Business Operations and Services
Clear outline of the business, customers served, portfolio and scope of operations
Business performance
Evidence of business growth and development over the last 12 months
Innovation
Evidence of a new service or programme that the applicant has introduced that’s having a positive impact on its capacity to grow its refurbished related business and services.
Customer Feedback
Case studies and evidence of customer satisfaction.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Distributor (Revenue – Low to Medium)
Distribution plays an important role for retail and reseller channels to supply refurbished devices and additional services to ensure reliable business operations and performance. This award highlights the best in performance, delivery, sustainable practices and customer satisfaction amongst Europe’s distribution community.
Category Criteria
Distributor (Revenue – Low to Medium)
Business Operations and Services
Clear outline of the business, customers served, portfolio and scope of operations
Business performance
Evidence of business growth and development over the last 12 months
Innovation
Evidence of a new service or programme that the applicant has introduced that’s having a positive impact on its capacity to grow its refurbished related business and services.
Customer Feedback
Case studies and evidence of customer satisfaction.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Distributor (Revenue – High)
Distribution plays an important role for retail and reseller channels to supply refurbished devices and additional services to ensure reliable business operations and performance. This award highlights the best in performance, delivery, sustainable practices and customer satisfaction amongst Europe’s distribution community.
Category Criteria
Distributor (Revenue – High)
Business Operations and Services
Clear outline of the business, customers served, portfolio and scope of operations
Business performance
Evidence of business growth and development over the last 12 months
Innovation
Evidence of a new service or programme that the applicant has introduced that’s having a positive impact on its capacity to grow its refurbished related business and services.
Customer Feedback
Case studies and evidence of customer satisfaction.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Repair & Recycling
Cross Border Repair
This award is for the service providers developing and delivering solutions to enable consistent and reliable repair platforms for consumers and businesses in Europe.
Category Criteria
Cross Border Repair
Scope of Service
What does the company do? How does their product, service or solution make cross border repair easier to achieve?
Scaling potential
Scalability of the service or solution.
Impact and Performance
Clear and compelling evidence of impact, growth and performance.
High Street Repair
Mobile repair stores are one of the most accessible options for consumers to fix a faulty smartphone. To recognise the work and impact of retail driven repair, this award acknowledges the companies delivering the best overall service to customers.
Category Criteria
High Street Repair
Services and Experience
Clear presentation of the services offered and what’s great about the customer experience (in store and online)
Impact and Performance
Details of how many devices have been repaired, recycled and refurbished.
Communications
Share any campaigns or initiative to promote the circular economy and repair
Customer Satisfaction
Case studies, testimonials and tangible evidence of positive customer ratings for quality of work and service
Best Recycler (Batteries)
Batteries are a key component for smartphones but complicated to recycle. This award is to recognise the important role of battery recycling at scale to reduce e-waste and recover critical raw materials.
Category Criteria
Best Recycler – Batteries
Performance & Impact
Customer rating and feedback. Volume of devices recycled. How has the business grown over 12 months?
Standards & Services
Scope of services offered to customers. Demonstrable commitment to high standards through processes and certifications.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Engagement & Comms
Outline the type of outreach and campaigns to engage and educate customers about the circular economy and the need for recycling.
Best Recycler (Smartphones)
A cornerstone of the circular economy, recycling smartphones is vital to material recovery and reducing e-waste. This award celebrate the best smartphone recycler for the European market.
Category Criteria
Best Recycler – Smartphones
Performance & Impact
Customer rating and feedback. Volume of devices recycled. How has the business grown over 12 months?
Standards & Services
Scope of services offered to customers. Demonstrable commitment to high standards through processes and certifications.
Sustainability
Evidence of reporting, certifications and any other sustainability related actions.
Engagement & Comms
Outline the type of outreach and campaigns to engage and educate customers about the circular economy and the need for recycling.
Refurbished Channel Categories
Best OEM Distributor
OEM distributors play a critical role in the management and distribution of secondhand, refurbished and remanufactured phones across Europe. This award celebrates excellence is service, supply chain, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
Refurbished Channel Categories
Best Online Retailer
The Best Online Retailer award is open to any e-tailer selling refurbished or reconditioned smartphones in the Europe.
Refurbished Channel Categories
Best Online Marketplace Smartphones
The Best Online Market Place for Smartphones award is open to any marketplace selling refurbished or reconditioned smartphones in the Europe.
Refurbished Channel Categories
Best Online Marketplace Laptops
The Best Online Market Place for Laptops award is open to any marketplace selling refurbished or reconditioned laptops in the Europe.
Manufacturers Categories
Best Mobile Accessories
Are you leading the way when it comes to circularity? The mobile accessories market is highly competitive but home to exciting developments in sustainability, material innovation and circular programmes.
Manufacturers Categories
Circularity by Design Handsets
This award is for brands that have launched a smartphone over the last 18 months that follows key circular principles around design, longevity, repair, reuse and recycling.
Repair, Trade In and Diagnostics
Best Repair Services
Are you leading the way on repair? Introduced a programme for channel partners, repairers and consumers to make their device last as long as possible? We want to hear about your repair initiatives and policies that are driving the circular economy forward and keeping smartphones in play for as long as possible.
Repair, Trade In and Diagnostics
Best Recycling Programme
This award is for companies operating a recycling programme. We’re keen to hear about your achievements and programme developments over the last 18 months. Is your approach to device recovery and recycling leading the way? Apply now!
Repair, Trade In and Diagnostics
Best Trade-In Programme by Network
Trade in programmes play an important role in the circular tech economy. Network providers across Europe are creating new programmes and incentives to drive up trade in rates and offer more value to their customers. Submit your entry now and showcase your success in the Best Trade In Programme by Network.
Repair, Trade In and Diagnostics
Best Diagnostics Software
This award is to celebrate the best and most innovative software provider for device testing and diagnostics.
Finance
Best Foreign Exchange Solution Provider
The Best Foreign Exchange Award is open to any provider operating in the European market
Finance
Best Financing Company
The Best Finance Award is open to any provider operating in the European market
Communication, Impact and Innovation
Best Innovation
This award is for changemakers, start-ups and industry innovators. Got a service, product or solution that has disrupted the market to progress circular practices or models in the smartphone industry. Launched an innovative e-waste service or AI driven solution that’s shaking up the circular tech industry?
Communication, Impact and Innovation
Best Marketing Campaign Of The Year
We’re on the look out for the industry’s stand out marketing and advertising campaigns. This category is open to networks, brands, recyclers and refurbishers. It’s about impact, creativity and results. Submit your work from the last 18 months and be in with a chance of winning the Best Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Communication, Impact and Innovation
Circularity Hero
This award is to celebrate an individual who has been a passionate supporter and driver of the circular economy in the 2nd hand smartphone industry. We want to recognise the people who are driving legislation, transparency, closer collaboration or technical innovation.
Manufacturers Categories
Best Logistics Company
This category will recognise excellence in the design, implementation, and management of logistics operations that specifically enable and optimise the circularity of mobile phones. This award wouldn’t just be about efficient shipping; it would delve deep into a company’s commitment and measurable success in minimising waste, maximising resource value, and extending product lifecycles within the secondary market.