Source Home & Gift Champions Social Enterprises with new 'Makers' Section

Source Home & Gift, the only international sourcing platform of its kind which takes place on the 1st – 4th September 2024 at NEC Birmingham, has put the spotlight on the social enterprises empowering small artisan makers around the world to champion their unique craftsmanship.

The September show continues to showcase social enterprises that empower local communities and craftspeople, and they will be showcased in a new ‘Makers’ section, introduced to offer a dedicated space for artisan producers. One of the unique propositions of Source Home & Gift is its support for smaller-scale artisans from across the globe but with a focus on developing countries.

Sumaq Qara’s mission is to support female victims of terrorism and domestic violence in Peru. They offer a wide portfolio of knit, embroidery, crochet and macramé products, working with natural wools and fibres. Sumaq Qara, words in Quechua that mean "Beautiful Leather", was founded in 2006 with the purpose of helping more than 500 women who were victims of physical and psychological abuse during the time of terrorism. With more than 15 years of exporting, they offer a wide portfolio of products made with ancestral techniques such as embroidery, knitting, crochet and macramé using natural fibres such as alpaca, merino wool, sheep wool, and cotton.

Claybotik has a vision to revive the dying art of stoneware pottery, providing employment to local artisans to create handmade ceramics with contemporary designs influenced from traditional Indian patterns. Claybotik, based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India celebrates the oldest and most widespread art of pottery and believes deeply in uplifting the artisan community. The business model also showcases reducing, reusing, and recycling with zero-waste production. Claybotik says, “Zero waste also helps to examine the life cycle of a product or material. At our studio, we reclaim all the clay. The pieces which do not pass the quality check are not discarded, are rather kept for sampling purposes or we put up monthly walk-in thrift stalls under a minimal budget, this way it’s a win-win for the producer and the consumer with zero-waste policy.”

Working with 100 artists in Haiti, Beyond Borders Fair Trade, also known as Extol Accessories, has been working with and nurturing Haitian artists in Croix-des-Bouquets for fifteen years supporting real economic improvement and lives bettered through the creation and sharing of their beautiful art. They will be presenting a showcase of new designs at Source Home & Gift to showcase the artist’s incredible skill and handmade pieces. Beyond Borders say, “We love the constant exchange and blossoming of new product and design ideas. Most importantly, we see real economic improvement and lives bettered through the creation and sharing of their beautiful art. This success is about a true partnership between the Haitian artists, Beyond Borders, you as our retail customers, and your customers - who get to love this art and share in the story.”

Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Home & Gift says, “Featuring hand-picked exhibitors chosen for the quality of their items and their authentic community stories is incredibly inspiring. Our aim is to create a show with beautiful, well-made products that don’t cost the earth, quite literally, and allow their makers – be it those who are in villages, or those in factories - to live well from their work. I’m thrilled that the work we do in building a responsible sourcing platform in the UK and Europe is being so well received by our UK buying community.”

Source Home & Gift brings the world to the UK as an easier, cheaper and more effective destination to discover what’s trending, and develop and source new materials and products. Whether you’re looking for homewares, toys, gifts, furniture or packaging services - Source Home & Gift is a must-attend event for the retail community. The show unites global manufacturers with high-profile retailers, brands, and designers who are looking to responsibly and sustainably source new products.

Registration is live, and over 460 manufacturers are expected to show at the next edition making it the biggest show to date. All exhibitors at Source Home & Gift are required to have a recent audit from Sedex or a recognisable audit institution giving buyers the confidence that they will meet suppliers that have responsible business practices, and the teamwork with governments and agencies from across the world to bring best in class manufacturers and artisan producers to the UK to share their capabilities.

The dedicated entrance is in Hall 18, but visitors will still have free crossover access from Autumn Fair.