As shopping habits move from the real to the virtual world, small businesses in the UK and Ireland must adopt more sustainable practices. This includes introducing the idea of positive shopping to the conscious consumer. The changing face of the high street The most recent hit to the high street is the announcement of 8 […]
We’ve compiled a roundup of advice and resources that we’ve seen for businesses and business owners over the past couple of weeks. 1. HM Govt Business Support: Here you’ll find all the support and information put together by the government. 2. ICAEW has a huge selection of resources and advice around tax, audit, financial reporting […]
I have a long-standing love affair with Lush. Can you blame me? Entering a Lush location is like stepping into a world of colourful, quirkily-named skincare products that look and smell good enough to eat. Plus the brand is well known for being at the forefront of sustainability in regards to packaging, animal testing, sourcing ethically […]
In 2017 we featured this guest blog written by Sian Conway of #EthicalHour on what it means to be an ethical business. Now as we step into the first days of 2020 we’ve decided to revisit this issue and share our thoughts with you. So, what does it mean to be an ethical business in […]
Have we reached boiling point? Today’s hyper-competitive economy makes running a business stressful and risky. Cost cutting to ‘remain in the game’ means the quality of products and services may be compromised and environmental negligence, long work hours and financial risk affect wellbeing – we’re burning out! Time for a new approach to business […]
Blue Patch’s ‘travelling’ Sustainable Department Store popped up at the Whitworth, Manchester University’s award winning museum. Blue Patch were lucky to coincided with Whitworth Director Alistair Hudson’s radically refreshing vision for the ‘Useful Museum’ (listen to Alistair here). The Useful Museum got off to a flying start with the Reno residency, led by Linda Brogan. Everyone […]
We’re delighted to announce the Blue Patch Sustainable Business Awards 2018 results are available here. The People’s Prize will be announced by the 2017 winner Anna Jacobs. Meet the talented artist-designer at #BStore18 as she hands the award to the winner for 2018! Thank you to the applicants for such wonderful submissions – every one was […]
Did anyone get engaged recently? Whether you are frantically planning your wedding, or simply keeping an eye out for ideas, here are a few ways in which you can incorporate some of your family history into your wedding dress. Intrigued? Read on. We live in an age of mass production, surrounded by a throw-away society. […]
Did you know that January is named after Janus, the god of gateways and that Janus could look in both directions, back at the old year and forward towards the new year at the same time? Hindsight and foresight both 20/20 for this guy, right? However, as far as we’re concerned, December is as cold as January, […]
Are you caught up in the busy Christmas season, and yet dreading the impending January slump? We’ve come up with three easy ideas for you to implement right away to give yourself additional opportunities for sales during this period. 1. Create digital gift cards. If you don’t already offer gift cards or vouchers, you should. If you […]
The market for ethical business is growing. The value of ethical consumer spending grew to £38 billion in the UK in 2015 (an average growth of 8.5%). But what is an ethical business? There’s no one definitive profile of an ethical business – it’s all about making a profit and doing good. It’s not a […]
Our Business Awards are now closed for judging. Thank you all for your marvellous entries – how on earth are the judges going to make a decision, everyone deserves to win! SME or fledgling business operating in the British Isles are encouraged to enter one or more of our business categories: New Business Award – If you […]
With new business rates coming into effect in April 2017, many startups, SMEs and independent businesses are facing difficult decisions about their future. The latest in a string of threatened closures is Verde, Jeanette Winterson’s deli in Spitalfields. A massive blow and a place our team is truly going to miss. Verde, a place where […]
Dulwich Festival Artists’ Open House We of course, have a soft spot for Dulwich. We strongly believe that we have the best bread in England at Christopher’s Bakery, the most gorgeous parks to picnic in, and the most wonderful community of independent businesses to buy from. It’s our oasis in the desert. We love to […]
Green Oil is an exemplary example of an ethical British business. Green Oil creates bicycle lubricants and other fluids from plants and biodegradable materials. CEO Simon is non-apologetic in his quest for a sustainable business that simultaneously makes great products whilst being kind to the wonderful planet. Welcome to the stage… Why I do what I […]
June 2nd saw the doors of Brixton East open to welcome all to the first LambethLEF (Lambeth Local Entrepreneurs Forum) a think tank for a community-supported local economy – the REconomy. The REconomy project is part of the Transition Network, a global grassroots movement of communities seeking to strengthen their resilience to problems including climate change, […]
Barley Massey runs an ‘imaginerium’ craft space in Broadway Market, London E8, with a shop for your craft needs and a studio for classes and events. Visit her website: fabrications1.co.uk Why I do what I do: Barley Massey watch the film As well as making a living, my aim is to inspire and […]
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