Taking place across four days at the NEC Birmingham and running parallel to Autumn Fair, Source Home & Gift has tripled in size from the first edition in February, with a diverse showcase of homewares, furniture, gifts, toys, textiles, packaging, and stationery and greetings producers and manufacturers from over 300 exhibitors from over 14 countries including Bangladesh, China, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, UK, Uzbekistan, and Egypt.
Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing, Source Home & Gift says, "It's been an incredible first day showcasing of some of the best manufacturers and makers in the world – it's been such a successful first day of trading. The breadth and depth of product on show in Source Home & Gift is unparalleled for a responsible sourcing show, both in terms of product mix, and the diversity of artisan makers alongside large-scale manufacturers. It makes for a very compelling offering for our audience."
From upcycled furniture to handwoven homewares to beaded accessories, The Society for the Advancement of Professional Entrepreneurship (SAPSE) is a Philippine non-profit organisation that nurtures and supports homegrown social enterprises. Through the OverSEas project, SAPSE aim to bring more local SEs to the global market, connecting communities to advocates abroad. Source proudly showcases six sustainable, artisanal, and socially impactful brands: JunkNot!, Woven, Malingkat, AkreH., Placemat Queens, and Habi Lifestyle. Placemat Queen, produce table accessories that are whimsical yet timeless and elegant including placemats, plate chargers, coasters, table runners, table napkins, and napkin rings, as well as picnic baskets and picnic blankets. Products are designed and produced in the Philippines from premium local materials like abaca (nature's strongest plant fibre), raffia, and rattan. Woven is a compassionate crafts company that designs hand-in-hand with Filipino artisans for the modern lifestyle. Every item is a story in progress and rich traditions, a journey to be continued. Each purchase not only helps local artisans and crafts communities to survive, but to thrive.
With Goodweave Sedex certification, Vimla International create exquisite hand-woven artisanal rugs and carpets crafted from natural, sustainable fibres such as wool, jute, hemp, cotton, sisal, and silk, and are free from harmful toxins and harsh chemicals.
With a line-up boasting internationally renowned industry professionals and experts discussing the latest trends and topics in responsible and sustainable manufacturing, today's Responsible Retail Stage programme included a spotlight on bamboo and ethical retailing.
Jack Stratten, Head of Trends at Insider Trends took to the stage to explore 'From sustainable to responsible: The transparent future of ethical retail'. Taking the audience through a host of case studies, from Patagonia and Adidas, to Brewdog and Wolf & Badger, the talk educated buyers on the importance of transparency, conversation, collaboration, accountability, and community in the future of retail. "Brands and suppliers need to respect the intelligence of the consumer, more-and-more they aware of ethical necessities throughout an entire supply chain and are keeping brands accountable."
Consumer appetite for ethical products is at an all-time high, "82% of UK consumers say they want to purchase responsibly sourced items, whilst 62% say they have already paid more for responsibly sourced items."
Another key trend discussed was the drive behind going backwards to move forward. Spotlighting brands who have been successful in openly admitting mistakes in their supply chain, Stratten highlighted the importance of engaging with customers and learning from their insight to drive change. "Lots of the best ideas we're seeing big retailers launch in areas of sustainability have come from their customers. There is no reason independent retailers can't be utilising this same approach - brands need to be talking with customers, rather than to them."
"Source Home & Gift itself holds significant importance in promoting global exchange and development within the consumer goods industry, expediting the integration of high-quality products from diverse nations into the global marketplace, and facilitating the worldwide flow and collaboration of technology, equipment, capital and talent.
"Bamboo crafts constitute a vital component of the consumer goods sector with China boasting the world's largest bamboo resource and serving as a significant producer and consumer of bamboo products. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of an eco-friendly, low-carbon, and sustainable bamboo industry, along with a strong emphasis on environmental protection, and we have been diligently advancing related work in this area.
"In 2022, in collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), Chinese Government, initiated the "Replace Plastic with Bamboo" campaign, aiming to encourage the substitution of plastic products with more environmentally friendly and biodegradable bamboo items. This initiative marks as a crucial step in China's commitment to the developmental philosophy of "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," as well as a concrete action in actively addressing global climate change and fulfilling national pledges. With the global trend of "plastic bans and restrictions" gaining momentum, the bamboo industry is currently embracing great opportunities."
Source Home & Gift is co-located with Autumn Fair, bringing the entire retail supply chain under one roof and creating the "must-attend" event for the UK buying community. The show is open until Wednesday.
Visit www.source-homeandgift.com for more information.
