Source Home & Gift, co-locating with Spring Fair, will be making its debut at the NEC from 5-8 February, with Laura Tenison MBE, founder of Jo Jo Maman Bebe, giving the keynote speech – ‘ReCommerce Revolution: The second-hand industry comes of age’ – on the new Responsible Retail Stage. Speaking on Monday 6 February at 1.30pm, Laura will be discussing the rise of thrifting, the second-hand market, reverse commerce, and how to build an ethical business.
Launched to unite the best manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world with key retailers, brands, contractors, and interior designers who are looking to find new suppliers or explore private label opportunities, Source Home & Gift reflects a new vision for sustainable, ethical and inspirational product sourcing.
Across the four days of the show, the seminar programme will featureinternationally renowned professionals and experts from across the industry, who will be sharing their knowledge and advice for the coming season. Topics range from the latest retail trends to B Corps movement and sustainable packaging development.
“Whenever we talk about sustainable and responsible sourcing, the biggest thing that comes out of those conversations is everyone wants to know what ‘good’ really looks like, and how they can achieve it,” explains Suzanne Ellingham, director of sourcing, Source Home & Gift.
“At a time when sustainability can mean almost anything, and there are no measurements, no definitions, no common language, many businesses are simply doing their best, but there is a community that wants to learn from each other. The Responsible Retail Stage is packed full of innovators and business leaders who are on that journey and willing to not just share their successes, but also share where things didn’t quite go to plan and use that insight to move their own journey forward faster. If we can give people even one great idea or actionable point to take back to their business, then we will all be delighted.”
Kicking off the four-day seminar schedule on Sunday 5 Feburary at 10.30am, Terrie Isaac and Gwyneth Holland of trend forecasting fashion retail specialists BDA London will be looking at ‘The evolution of trends’ across consumer behaviour. They will be followed by Jack Stratten, head of trends at Insider Trends who will be presenting ‘Ethical interiors start with responsible sourcing’ looking at the competitive advantage, customer loyalty, and improved brand reputation, gained from responsible sourcing.
Also speaking on 5 February will be packaging solutions business Wrapology, and jewellery brand Enibas, who will discuss ‘Shop in a box: Use less packaging, make more impact’, at 1.30pm, revealing their 10-month journey redesigning 12 pieces of packaging.
The conversation on packaging will continue with a session on ‘Climate crisis action: Meeting sustainable packaging standards’ with WRAP, which is committed to a circular economy for plastics beyond 2025, both in the UK and globally.
Monday 6 February opens with BDA London’s second trend presentation, ‘Protopia: Key home directions for SS24’, followed by an inspiring session on manufacturing and eco design from Josh Valman, chief executive officer of RPD International for ‘ULTIMATE efficiency: Manufacturing design and purchasing practices’ who will be uncovering the most effective ways manufacturers can reduce resource use and waste production.
‘Going for green: A sustainable – and profitable – retail supply chain’, Tom Barton, co-founder and director of food, quality and sustainability at Honest Burgers will present the first steps to developing a more sustainable strategy, including introducing ethical sourcing practices, reusing waste or by-products, and redesigning processes and optimising transport.
On Tuesday 7 February, James George, strategic adviser at Pyrexa Global will be joined by Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and ceo of Products of Change,to ask, ‘Circular Economy: What is it and why should you care?’, unravelling facts about using the right materials and the policies surrounding them as well as how to ‘green’ your business. Overseas sourcing tips will be on offer from the experts at Retail 100 as they present Country intelligence: A beginners guide to sourcing overseas’ with practical advice and guidance.
In addition, ‘The B Corp Movement: Toast Ale’s eco journey’ will be under the spotlight, with co-founder Rob Wilson explaining more about their B Corp journey and first steps to B Corp without succumbing to the ‘greenwashing’ trend.
Meanwhile, packaging will be another focus with Kate Usher from TrendBible looking at the key pillars of responsible packaging sourcing and more with her seminar ‘Back to the drawing board: Sustainable product development’.
On Wednesday 8 February, Lewis Blitz, co-founder of Skinnydip London will be delving into the wasteful business of eCommerce returns as well as his journey creating one of the UK’s most well-loved accessory brands.
Already pre-registered to attend are leading retailers and brands including Dunelm, Pandora, Avon, Dobbies, Wilko, Oxfam, RSPCA, Liverpool FC.
Visit Seminars 2023 – Source Home & Gift 2023 (source-homeandgift.com) for the full schedule.
Top: Laura Tenison MBE, founder of Jo Jo Maman Bebe, will be the keynote speaker at Source Home & Gift on 6 February. She will be speaking on the Responsible Retail Stage at Spring Fair.
