Being digitally connected means having access to healthcare services, having opportunities to find work, and being connected to loved ones and wider communities. Without this, people are left isolated and vulnerable.
We have donated 28 of our unused laptops to SimPal, a charity which fights against digital poverty. With the vital support of business mobile company 1823 Group who arranged for the devices to be refurbished, each laptop will go to those who need it most. Watch this video to find out more about how SimPal is working with 1823 Group to tackle digital exclusion.
Chris Lewis, founder of SimPal, said:
“I want to extend a massive thank you to Harbottle & Lewis and all the organisations who have stepped forward to help us drive real change. We are grateful for the incredible support from Kerry and her team which means we are able to help more of those who find themselves in digital poverty. We must act to close the digital divide and it is donations like these which help us to make a difference.”
Kerry Angel, our director of IT, said:
“On behalf of Harbottle & Lewis, my team and I were delighted to be able to help SimPal by donating another batch of our old laptops to a great cause. With the help of 1823 Group, these laptops will take on a new lease of life by helping those struggling in digital poverty. We hope that what is a small gesture on our part will make a big difference to those who really need it.”
Founded in 2016, SimPal is a UK charity run entirely by volunteers which provides mobile phones and pre-paid SIM cards to people living with cancer and other life-threatening conditions, or who are in poverty, to enable them to stay connected to loved ones, healthcare services and their communities. Its services are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, with no means testing, ensuring that as many people as possible can access the support they need.
Her passion lies in improving IT within firms through growing partnerships, not only internally but also by working closely with vendors to provide the best service possible.
Kerry is also an advocate for increasing the number of women in IT. In February 2022, she has formed an initiative called Girls in Tech which aims to show girls aged around 16 the types of role available and to provide an insight into working in IT.
Alexa has a particular focus on clients in the entertainment and creative industries, as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. Clients often seek Alexa’s expert advice on philanthropic and charitable matters as part of their estate planning.
Alexa has a substantial amount of experience in tax and estate planning for individuals and families with US connections. She is sought after by clients and intermediaries as a specialist in this field.
Alexa won the eprivateclient Top 35 Under 35 award in 2019, the Citywealth Future Leaders Award (Bronze – Senior/Managing Associate) in 2020 and was named as an eprivateclient NextGen Leader in 2024. She was also a finalist for the Future Leader in Private Client Services Spear’s award in 2024.
Alexa joined the firm in 2020, having previously worked at other firms in the UK and in the Channel Islands.
Outside of his management roles, Charlie advises on a wide range of corporate transactions from private and public mergers and acquisitions to investments, joint ventures, fundraisings and shareholder arrangements involving private equity, venture capital, family office and strategic parties. He has advised on a number of IPOs on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
His clients comprise investors, funds and companies of all sizes, from startups to international corporations in a wide range of industries; he is particularly experienced in advising clients in the technology, media, entertainment, retail and leisure sectors. He is also passionate about advising entrepreneurs, accompanying them from the inception of their ideas to exit.
Charlie is a member of the British Screen Advisory Council and the EIS Association.
Andy’s background in professional services, alongside his work across a range of other businesses including real estate, contemporary dance and talent management, has prepared him for his role in the leadership team of a dynamic law firm with great ambition.