The Sunderland IT business boss who is coming to the rescue of key workers

Former care home worker and chef James Hall, 36, owns and runs IFX Tech Repair in Ryhope which he started in 2016.

But in February last year, IFX became his full-time concern when he decided to be based from home. Now, he combines running the business with being a dad and caring for his wife who has fibromyalgia.

James said he loves his life that he ‘would not give it up for anyone’.

IFX specialises in tech repair services such as repair screen damage, lost parts, upgrades and modifications on phones, tablets, laptops and desktops.

James has remained open during the pandemic to offer free service charge and emergency repairs to NHS workers, care staff and essential workers.

He said: “My company’s sole aim is to help others and to prevent individuals being overcharged and provided poor quality repairs.”

IFX becomes the latest entry in the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards and James said it would be ‘fantastic to win’.

He added: “I entered the awards because I wanted to spread the word that I am here to help, especially those who are not so well off,

"I have not forgotten my roots and I want to give back."

James wants to help people who can't afford repairs and would otherwise have thrown away broken equipment.

IFX becomes the latest entry in the awards which has already had some great submissions.

The search for the elite of town industry is back and it is the first Portfolio Awards since the coronavirus changed the world.

Sunderland City Council is once again the headline sponsor of the Portfolio Awards.

We are also delighted to welcome on board the partner sponsors for this year’s awards and they are Utillity Alliance, Gentoo, the Autism Society, Station Taxis and Bradley Hall.

The first entry in the awards has already been submitted but we need more and now it is over to you.

THE CATEGORIES.

Small Business of the Year (under 10 Employees).

Medium Business of the Year (11-50 employees).

Large Business of the Year ( over 50 employees).

Employer of the Year.

Apprentice of the Year.

Technology of the Year.

City Centre Business of the Year.

Creative Industries Award.

Sole Trader of the Year.

New Business of the Year.

Special Community Business Award.

Best Green Business Award.

Social Enterprise Award.

Best Training Provider Award.

Exporter of the Year.

Women in Business Award.

Leisure Business Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award.

Overall Business of the Year.

HOW TO ENTER.

There’s plenty of time to enter before the closing date for nominations and we will reveal them in due course. Then, the judges will then select a shortlist.

All finalists will get to attend the grand finale on Thursday, June 24 next year, at the Stadium of Light.

To nominate, email [email protected].

You can also find out more by visiting here.

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