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5 Eco-Friendly Exhibition Freebie Ideas

Freebies are an excellent way to boost return on investment at exhibitions, trade shows and conferences! A good freebie can attract more visitors, build brand awareness, leave a lasting impression and create excitement around your brand. However, freebies with little purpose can easily become wasteful. The exhibition industry already has a deep-rooted issue with waste, especially from traditional custom-built stands, thrown in landfills after two to three days. To avoid adding to this problem, ensure that your freebies are genuinely useful to your target audience or use sustainable materials.

We spoke to Quadrant2Design, a UK-based exhibition stand design and build contractor with over 20 years of experience in sustainable modular stands. They gave us some fantastic ideas for sustainable freebies.

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Coffee Cups, Bottles and Flasks

Everybody loves a free bottle. These come in many designs and styles that are useful and practical for all guests.  Not to mention, their use in public spaces can help you gain brand awareness.

  • Glass coffee travel cup: You’ll be sure to impress with a unique and trendy glass travel mug! These freebies are perfect for companies at smaller exhibitions with a targeted group of clients to impress.
  • Bamboo Travel Mugs: An alternative option is a bamboo travel mug! These are made using sustainable materials but have a classy finish.
  • Reusable Flasks: Reusable flasks are always useful! For a unique touch, you can partner with Ocean Bottle, a sustainable company that cleans up around 1000 bottles for every reusable bottle sold.
  • Classic Recycled Travel Mug: There is no harm in using a classic design. If you’re planning to supply a lot of freebies, a classic travel mug is a perfect choice.
  • Foldable Cup: Don’t forget the pop-up and foldable cups. These are perfect travel items for guests as they are easy to carry!

Utensils, Tupperware, and More

Consider branded utensils as your merchandise if you’re exhibiting at a food and beverage trade show.

  • Branded Utensil kits: Many visitors work in offices where they bring lunch. These kits are perfect for handbags and eating on the go!
  • Branded Lunch Boxes: Likewise branded eco lunch boxes are a great freebie to hand out, and they’ll likely get a lot of use.

If these ideas aren’t for you, look into branded bottle openers, wine openers, metal straws or can crushers!

Clothing and Other Merchandise

  • Tote Bags: These are a classic trade show giveaway! Tote bags can be useful, but their overuse in shows can make them less interesting. Consider using an interesting design if you want your merchandise to stand out!
  • Clothing: Branded merchandise like hats, sunglasses, socks and t-shirts seem like odd giveaways. However, they can be successful if done properly! Think of brands like MacDonald, Lidl and Ikea, and how well their merchandise was received. This giveaway might not work effectively for every brand, but it’s worth looking into.

Useful Tech and gadgets

Because smartphone usage is at an all-time high, phone-related technology, gadgets and accessories are very popular. These products are great for all industries and there are plenty of sustainable versions to choose from.

  • USB Hard Drive: This is a classic trade show freebie, but it’s an all-time favourite as it’s practical and useful. Customise the USB with your branding to remind the user of your company.
  • Wireless Charger: Wireless Chargers are among the most useful freebies you can offer. These can be purchased in various styles, including a bamboo finish!
  • Three-in-one Charging Cable: You can’t go wrong with a three-in-one cable. This is the type of freebie that people will never throw away. They are perfect for travel, office use and handbags.
  • Power Bank: At trade shows nowadays, lots of processes and detail swapping involve the use of phones, so sufficient charge is important. If you can supply a key decision-maker with something useful like a power bank, you will be much more memorable!
  • Lightning Charger Fan: For a little more fun, try mini fans, powered by smartphones. Exhibition halls get very hot, and these fans are a great way to keep guests cool.
  • Phone Holder: Our final gadget suggestion is a phone holder. These come in sustainable wooden and bamboo finishes and are great for guests to keep on their work desks!

Subscriptions

The suggestions for freebies have all been practical or utilised sustainable materials. A more sustainable alternative to these physical giveaways is to offer discounts or free trials for your services!

Consider offering free trials, discounted subscription rates, or loyalty points to trade show visitors.  This will encourage visitors to try your products and services and make you more memorable following the show!

To Sum Up

When planning your sustainable giveaway, the best thing you can do is choose something that is genuinely useful and will not be binned. Next, look for sustainable materials and ethical sourcing! Finally, consider subscriptions and discounts that could draw new users to try your products!

Paris 2024: GB climb to third in medal table after golds in jumping, trampolining and rowing

Great Britain climed to third in the Olympics medal table after Scott Brash, Ben Maher and Harry Charles earned a brilliant gold in the men’s team jumping final.

Briony Page won gold in the women’s trampoline final shortly after Emily Craig and Imogen Grant continued their unbeaten streak by easing to victory in the lightweight double sculls.

There was a silver for Tom George and Ollie Wynne-Griffith in the men’s event while it was bronze for Jack Laugher and Anthony Harding in the 3m synchronised diving.

GB win ninth gold in jumping

Great Britain won Olympic team jumping gold for the first time since London 2012 with a near-faultless performance in Paris.

The British trio of Maher, Charles and Brash picked up just two penalties to top the standings at the stunning Chateau de Versailles.

It takes GB to third in the medal standings, level with United States, who took silver, and above bronze winners France.

Page wins trampolining gold

Page now has an Olympic medal of every colour after adding a gold to her silver at Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo.

The two-time champion knew she had to beat Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya’s score in the final, with a look of disbelief when the scores were confirmed.

Bardzilouskaya got the silver medal with Canada’s Sophiane Methot collecting bronze.

Craig and Grant banish Tokyo heartbreak

GB duo Grant and Craig missed out on a medal at Tokyo by 0.01 seconds but they have used that heartbreak to their advantage ever since.

The pair pinned up a photo of that photo finish three years ago as motivation and now have a gold medal to add to their back-to-back world and European triumphs.

Little of the drama of Tokyo was on show here, as the British pair comfortably stormed to victory.

Agony for Wynne-Griffith and George

There was no such joy for men’s pair Oliver Wynne-Griffith and Tom George who were dramatically pipped to gold late on.

Welsh rower Wynne-Griffith and George of England led for the majority of the race after a brilliant showing but fell victim to a late surge by Croatia’s defending champions Martin and Valent Sinkovic in the final 20 metres.

A disappointed Wynne-Griffith said: “I made a mistake on the line and that’s racing for you,” he said. “Olympic silver medallists, I’m so proud of what we did.

“We had a great start and a great first 1500m, just on the last four strokes it was a case of winning or losing unfortunately.”

177,000 new homes on brownfield land to tackle the North West’s housing crisis

New research from the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) has found there is capacity for up to 177,000 new homes on brownfield land in the North West.
This would help the government deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years and play a part in finding homes for the 190,000 people currently on the region’s housing waiting lists.
The NHC is calling for a £4.2 billion funding package from government over ten years to prepare the brownfield land in the North for new homes.
The current Brownfield Housing Fund is set to support 24,000 new homes. However, NHC research has found Whitehall red tape is stifling the effectiveness of this fund and some of the North’s brownfield sites are not eligible for funding.

Delivering homes

To deliver as many homes as possible on Brownfield land over ten years Government funding must be:
  • Devolved not delegated: Give combined authorities the control to use funding in line with local priorities.
  • More flexible with funding requirements: Current value-for-money requirements mean sites in areas with lower land values are often not eligible. Areas most in need of regeneration are losing out.
  • Longer-term: With the current fund, land remediation work must be completed by March 2025. This means more complex sites, such as contaminated land, are not eligible for support.
  • Supported by increased capacity in local government and combined authorities, including in planning. The government has said they will increase planning capacity which will help local government and combined authorities plan a strategic pipeline of Brownfield projects. But more needs to be done.
Chief executive Tracy Harrison (pictured) of the Northern Housing Consortium said: “There is a massive opportunity in the North West to unlock land for up to 177,000 homes, helping provide much needed homes, regenerate communities and rebalance the economy away from London and the South East.
“But the current funding rules don’t work. Central government requirements mean some of the most deprived areas in need of regeneration are not being developed to provide much needed homes. Brownfield funding should be further devolved to give local government and combined authorities the flexibility to use it where it’s needed most.
“The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has started to review brownfield funding and the value-for-money appraisal process for housing and land investment. We are keen to work with the government to deliver changes which will help our members regenerate communities and unleash the benefits of brownfield-first development.”
The NHC is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing local and combined authorities, housing associations and ALMOs across the North of England. Its members own or manage 9 out of 10 of the socially rented homes in the North.

Appeal for information following fatal road collision in Oldham

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Police are appealing for more information following a serious road traffic collision in Lees, Oldham.

At around 11.25pm on Monday, July 22, a 58-year-old man was driving a Mitsubishi Lancer along Elliott Street and crossed the carriageway of High Street, before colliding with a building.

Despite the best attempts of emergency services, he passed away at hospital.

Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is now appealing for information, including doorbell and dashcam footage to help understand the full circumstances.

Detective constable Alexandra Giblin said; “Firstly, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man that sadly lost his life in this collision. They are continuing to receive the necessary support.

“Our enquiries are still progressing at pace and I would urge anyone with information or detail that could help us bring answers should do so at the earliest available opportunity.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 4741 direct or 101 quoting incident 4021 of 22/07/2024. Alternatively, details can be passed via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Lubrizol helps Heaton Park visitors take a walk on the wilder side

Staff at Manchester science company Lubrizol swapped test tubes for twigs as they created an environmentally-friendly ‘dead hedge’ in the city’s biggest park.

Heaton Park now boasts a long, wildlife-friendly hedge made from branches and twigs, thanks to the voluntary efforts.

The team based in Blackley, normally work in the field of chemistry but volunteered their services as part of Lubrizol’s ‘Global Month of Impact’ project which sees its employees giving back to communities all over the world.

They worked hard transporting wood to the area and building the dead hedge which is intended to provide hiding places and nesting habitats for many creatures, food for insects, as well as acting as a natural barrier preventing people from cutting through the adjoining woodland so it can be a haven for flowers.

Heaton Park’s senior estate officer Dave Delaney, said the dead hedge was vitally important for the ecology of the park.

He said: “The Lubrizol team created a large “run” of hedging that will protect the ground from erosion and provide a strong, safe habitat for our resident critters for a long time whilst increasing the biodiversity of the area.

“Heaton Park is very grateful for the hard work and enthusiasm everyone from Lubrizol put in and we would be happy to have them back for future projects.”

Covering more than 600 acres, Heaton Park attracts millions of visitors a year and is also situated near Lubrizol’s offices.

Sarah Boothby, part of the Lubrizol team, said: “We were delighted to give our time to create this attractive new feature for the park. It’s important to us to give back to the communities we serve.

“By creating a wildlife-friendly barrier, the volunteering efforts of the Lubrizol team will be seen for years to come.”

State-of-the-art Esports Lab opens its doors for Salford students

University of Salford’s Business School has launched a brand new state-of-the-art Esports Lab ready for the new academic year.

The bespoke, industry pioneering lab provides an immersive environment and has been purpose-built to host the digital requirements of students completing the University and Greater Manchester Institute of Technology’s (GMIoT) Higher National Diploma (HND) Esports Business Management programme.

Equipped with a tournament arena, industry grade broadcasting equipment, including Blackmagic 4K cameras and television studio mixers, plus an esports suite for teaching, learning and gaming, the lab is designed to support students looking to pave the way in this rapidly expanding and innovative sector.

In addition, the Lab has 23 Yoyotech i9 RTX Esports Gaming PCs with Intel i9 Processors and NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super graphics cards, amongst other industry leading technology. The lab’s teaching and six seat tournament space has been designed to accommodate broadcasting and competitions, while its Formula 1 licensed racing simulator resembles the very technology drivers themselves use to prepare for the tracks, providing a truly immersive experience that emulates the cockpit.

According to Uswitch, the global esports market is expected to generate £3.41 billion in revenue this year. With a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%, this figure is forecast to reach £4.52 billion by 2028. To add to this, as of 2024, around 11.7% of the world’s population is estimated to participate in the esports market, equating to almost 948 million people worldwide[i].

Iain Earle, program leader for Esports Business Management at Salford Business School, said: “There’s no doubt that esports is a thriving industry. Whilst once seen as a hobby for many, in recent years it’s been transformed into one of the biggest entertainment markets on the planet. It’s now worth billions, making it not only a viable career route, but an incredibly lucrative one at that.

“Esports is a rapidly growing and ever-evolving sector so, with the latest cutting edge technology integrated into the Lab, we have made a considerable investment to really elevate our student experience in this space, while ensuring access to industry grade equipment. Salford is now home to higher education’s leading Esports Lab which will be instrumental in ensuring our students have been fully immersed in the latest technology disrupting the sector, as they progress into their graduate careers.”

MarketsCo.com Review Examines Services, Platform, and Limitations

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MarketsCo is a CFD brokerage business that provides a variety of services to meet the different trading demands of its clients. In this MarketsCo.com review, the firm’s offerings are explored in detail. Clients can choose from various account types tailored to different levels of trading experience and capital. The firm also integrates blockchain technology into its banking services, ensuring secure and transparent transactions.


MarketsCo
 provides a robust trading platform equipped with the tools and features necessary for effective trading. The firm supports trading across a wide array of assets, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, MarketsCo places a strong emphasis on education, offering resources to help traders enhance their skills and knowledge. Client service is available 24/7, ensuring assistance is always on hand. Security measures are also in place to protect client data and funds.

MarketsCo.com Review: Advantages of the Company

Educational Resources

In this MarketsCo.com review, the firm’s educational resources are highlighted as a key component of its service offerings. The brokerage provides a variety of educational materials designed to help traders maximize the platform’s features. These resources include comprehensive tutorials and guides that cover different aspects of trading. Clients can access eBooks that delve into various trading strategies and market analyses.

A glossary is available to explain key trading terminology, making it easier for beginners to understand the jargon. The asset index provides detailed information about the different assets available for trading on the platform. The company also offers articles on market trends and trading tips, which are regularly updated to reflect current market conditions.

Webinars and videos are conducted and produced to offer interactive learning experiences, allowing traders to gain insights from industry experts. These educational tools are aimed at enhancing the trading knowledge and skills of MarketsCo’s clients.

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Trading Assets

This part of the MarketsCo.com review focuses on the diverse range of trading assets available through the platform. The business provides clients with access to a variety of asset classes to suit different trading strategies and preferences. Traders can invest in stocks from major companies like Intel and Nvidia, offering opportunities in the equity markets.

The platform also includes ETFs such as the iShares Bitcoin Trust, allowing for diversified investment strategies. For those interested in cryptocurrencies, the firm supports trading in popular digital currencies like Bitcoin and Solana. Commodities trading is also available, with options including Gold and Corn.
In addition, traders can access indices such as the US 30 and UK 100, enabling them to speculate on broader market movements. Forex trading is supported as well, with currency pairs like EUR/AUD and GBP/USD available for trading. This wide range of assets ensures that MarketsCo can cater to various trading preferences and strategies.

Account Types

The organization provides several account kinds to suit various trading expertise and tactics. The available account options include Basic, Advanced, Pro, Elite, and VIP. Opening an account with MarketsCo requires proof of address, valid ID, and, in some cases, additional documentation.

The account opening process is straightforward, with document verification typically completed in a short time, allowing clients to begin trading quickly. The firm also allows clients to open multiple accounts, which can be used to implement different trading strategies. This flexibility ensures that traders can manage their investments effectively according to their individual needs and goals.

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Banking on Blockchain

In this MarketsCo.com review, the firm’s banking services utilizing blockchain technology are examined. MarketsCo offers secure and transparent options for deposits and withdrawals through blockchain technology. Clients can use the integrated crypto exchange to trade various digital currencies, enhancing the versatility of their investment strategies.

Personalized private wallets are available for storing cryptocurrencies, providing an added layer of security. To obtain a personalized private wallet for deposits, clients are advised to contact the support team at [email protected]. This setup ensures that all transactions are safe and easily traceable, leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology for financial operations.


24/7 Customer Support

This section of the MarketsCo.com review covers the firm’s 24/7 customer support service. MarketsCo places a high priority on clear and effective communication with its clients. The support crew is available 24/7 to address any problems or inquiries that may arise throughout the trading process.
The team is multilingual, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder assistance. Clients can reach customer support via email at [email protected] for general inquiries or [email protected] for legal matters. For immediate concerns, the live chat feature provides instant help. Additionally, phone support is available at UK +442071012389.

MarketsCo emphasizes quick response times, aiming to resolve issues promptly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth trading experience for all clients.

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Trading Platform

MarketsCo offers a trading platform that delivers lightning-fast execution, ensuring that trades are processed quickly and efficiently. The platform is adaptable and accessible via a range of devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, and laptops, allowing traders to manage their assets from anywhere.

Users can customize the layout, charts, and tools to suit their personal preferences, creating a tailored trading experience. This flexibility enables traders to optimize their workflow and focus on the elements most important to their strategies, whether they are at home or on the go.


Security

In this MarketsCo.com review, the firm’s focus on security is highlighted as a critical aspect of its service. MarketsCo employs state-of-the-art security measures to protect client’s financial information. The platform employs strong encryption to secure the secrecy of data, making sure that sensitive information remains private.

Additionally, the trading platform incorporates robust authentication measures to safeguard trades and personal details from unauthorized access. These security protocols are designed to provide a secure trading environment, allowing clients to focus on their trading activities without concerns about the protection of their information.

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MarketsCo.com Review: Disadvantages of the Company

Limited Dialect Options
A notable limitation of MarketsCo is its website’s language availability. Currently, the website is only available in English, which may make it difficult for non-English speakers to take advantage of all of the platform’s capabilities.

No Chat Room

Another limitation of MarketsCo is the absence of a chat room feature on its platform. This means that traders do not have access to real-time group discussions or community forums directly within the MarketsCo trading environment.

MarketsCo.com Review: Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, this MarketsCo.com review provides a comprehensive overview of MarketsCo and its various services. The organization offers a range of account types, educational resources, and diverse trading assets, all supported by a versatile trading platform. The broker also emphasizes security and 24/7 customer support, ensuring a secure and accessible trading environment.

By incorporating blockchain technology into its banking services, MarketsCo stays at the forefront of financial innovation. This objective assessment aims to give readers a clear understanding of MarketsCo’s offerings and its position within the market, allowing them to make informed decisions about their trading needs.

Disclaimer: This article is crafted for informational objectives and is not intended to serve as investment advice. The author is exempt from any liability regarding the company’s actions or the outcomes of your trading endeavors. Information may not be current or error-free; thus, reliance on this content for financial decisions is at your own discretion. No warranty is provided on the information’s accuracy, and we are not liable for any investment or trading losses that may arise.

State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Facility by Chews Health Opens at Timperley Sports Club

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Chews Health, a highly esteemed healthcare provider with a focus on pain and injury rehabilitation, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its latest facility at Timperley Sports Club. Recently, the Chews Health team converted the former groundskeeper’s store into a modern healthcare and rehabilitation gym.

This innovative clinic is equipped with cutting-edge medical and performance technology, including pneumatic resistance equipment, diagnostic ultrasound scanners, AI documentation software, advanced injectables, and force plate analysis tools. The Chews Health team is dedicated to helping people recover from injuries and manage pain efficiently, ensuring they can resume their everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. It has also been confirmed that the world’s largest Physiotherapy podcast, ‘Physio Matters’, will now be produced on-site, with the team continuing to enhance educational standards across the country and beyond.

“We are thrilled to open a centre of excellence in the heart of this vibrant community,” said Jack Chew, Founder and Director of Chews Health. “Our new facility represents our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to our patients. After six years in Timperley Village and two years as Timperley Sports Club sponsor, it is perfect timing to further our relationship with a new facility on site.”

In addition to providing excellent medical care, Chews Health is set to launch several community initiatives in partnership with Timperley Sports Club. These initiatives aim to improve access to care for disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, underactive children, and those with disabilities. The plans include educational workshops, preventive care programmes, and support for local athletes, all designed to enhance the overall health and well-being of the community.

Dr Kirk Malone, Chairman of Timperley Sports Club, stated, “We are proud to have Chews Health as a partner of Timperley Sports Club and now welcome them to be an even more integral part of our family. Their presence here will not only provide high-quality healthcare to our members and the public but also support our mission to foster a healthy and active community. We look forward to working together on initiatives that will benefit everyone, especially those who need it most.”

Jack Chew further added; “Our partnership with Timperley Sports Club will allow us to reach more individuals and provide them with the resources they need to lead healthier, pain-free lives. The collaborative community work we have planned will build on the successes of the Timperley Trundle and our children’s injury service.”

The new clinic is now open and welcoming new patients across its pain and injury service, performance nutrition consultancy, children’s injury service, and health coaching.

For more details about the services offered or to arrange an appointment, please visit chewshealth.co.uk or contact 0161 8717391.

Andy Murray’s tennis career ends with doubles defeat in Olympics quarter-finals

Andy Murray’s tennis career ended with a defeat in the doubles quarter-finals at the 2024 Olympics.

Murray and his partner Dan Evans lost 2-6 4-6 to American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

The 37-year-old said before the tournament in Paris that it would be the last of a glittering career.

He bows out of the game with three Grand Slam singles titles to his name as well as two Olympic gold medals.

Paul and Fritz looked to be comfortably on their way to victory after breezing through the first set before they served for the set at 5-2 in the second.

But it looked as though there could be another astonishing comeback on the cards, similar to the ones staged in their previous two ties, when they broke back before holding serve to take it to 5-4.

But there would be no miracle this time, with Fritz’s serve proving too strong as the Americans closed out the game and, as a result, Murray’s career.

The Scot recieved a rapturous applause from all four corners at Roland Garros, a reception which visibly made him emotional.

Maker&Son Unveils Circular Initiative for Eco-Friendly Luxury Sofas in the UK

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Maker&Son, leaders in sustainable luxury furniture, proudly introduces their Circular Initiative. This new programme allows customers to donate or sell back their Maker&Son sofas, which will then be refreshed and offered for sale at a pre-loved price point.

This initiative is part of Maker&Son’s dedication to creating lifetime products, aiming to extend the lifecycle of their sofas, reduce waste, and meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality furniture. The Circular Initiative offers an eco-friendly solution, making Maker&Son’s exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design more accessible.

Bradley Coulson, Managing Director of Maker&Son, expressed his excitement about the initiative:

“At Maker&Son, we believe it is important to take responsibility for the items we produce. While all our furniture is built to last a lifetime, sometimes life changes and with it our living arrangements and the needs we have for furniture in our homes. We find that our sofas are often handed down or passed on through families and friends, and our new Circular Initiative provides a natural extension to this. By widening the opportunity to own a ‘pre-loved’ piece of furniture to new audiences over time we can prolong and future-proof the lifecycle of our sofas further as well as offer an alternative to buying new – with items being refreshed and resold at a lower price point than our newly made-to-order pieces.”

Olivia, Head of Product Development at Maker&Son, detailed the careful process involved in refreshing each sofa:

“We take immense pride in creating long-lasting, timeless furniture using the highest quality natural materials and value the craftsmanship and time that goes into making each piece. As part of our work to create a more sustainable landscape within the luxury furniture industry, we are continuously exploring new and innovative ways to extend the use of our furniture wherever possible. Through our Circular Initiative, we ensure that every item sent to us is carefully inspected, restored, and refreshed to meet our exacting standards. This process will allow us to maintain the high quality and unparalleled levels of comfort that our brand is known for well into the future.”

Starting in September 2024, customers can register their Maker&Son sofas for the Circular Initiative. Once approved, these sofas will undergo a thorough refurbishment process before being made available on the Maker&Son website.

For more information on the Circular Initiative, visit makerandson.com or contact the UK team at [email protected] or call 0800 808 5408.