By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Products of Change (POC) is set to lead conversations on sustainability at the upcoming Spring Fair in the UK, and has announced a new partnership with the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA).
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Spring Fair, a premier UK retail trade event, will take place from February 2–5, 2025, at NEC Birmingham. Bringing together retailers, suppliers, and buyers from the homeware, gifting, and fashion sectors.
This year’s event will feature a strong focus on sustainability, spearheaded by Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and CEO of Products of Change.
Mansell-Stopher will host two essential sessions on February 4, aimed at equipping attendees with tools to navigate sustainability challenges in the brand and licensing industries.
The first is Sustainability Masterclass: Navigating Impact, Legislation, and Solutions. Scheduled for noon in the Masterclass Studio, this session will provide insights into environmental impact, emerging legislation, and practical strategies to enhance sustainability initiatives. Designed for businesses seeking to make meaningful progress, the masterclass will offer actionable solutions to accelerate their journey toward a greener future.
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The second session is Driving Sustainable Change in the Brand and Licensing Industry. At 3:45 PM in the Licensing Lab, Mansell-Stopher will lead a session focusing on sustainable transformation within the brand and licensing sector. This interactive talk will address key industry challenges, upcoming legislation, and practical ways to implement lasting changes. Created in collaboration with POC member and global technology business Fabacus, the Licensing Lab is a new space for networking, learning, and growth.
Following the second session, Licensing Source will host networking drinks, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect and continue discussions on sustainability with industry peers.
Partnership with the Federation of Sports and Play Associations
In addition to its Spring Fair initiatives, Products of Change recently announced a partnership with the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA). This collaboration grants FSPA members access to POC’s extensive educational resources and support services.
FSPA members will benefit from:
- Six sustainability education modules.
- A comprehensive library of reports, whitepapers, and webinars.
- Updates on sustainable practices in brand and product licensing.
- Opportunities for collaborative discussions and working groups.
- Tailored guidance from POC’s advisory team.
“We are well aware that there are many challenges that businesses are facing with the current landscape, and there is more to come that our members may not even know about,” said FSPA CEO Nick Palmer. “We want to make sure that they are equipped ahead of upcoming regulations.”
POC’s resources, including its popular Sustainability 101 webinars, aim to empower businesses to proactively address sustainability challenges and meet legislative requirements. Regular meetings hosted by FSPA and POC throughout the year will ensure members remain informed and supported.
A cornerstone of POC’s mission is fostering industry collaboration to accelerate sustainable change, so the FSPA is launching a Community Hub on its new website to connect members, allowing them to share challenges, engage with the POC platform, and work together on solutions.
Sustainability is no longer optional but essential for businesses to remain competitive and futureproof their operations, Palmer says, noting that investors and partners now prioritize sustainability strategies as indicators of foresight and industry awareness.
“We don’t want to just be paying lip service to this important topic,” said Palmer. “We want to be the forerunners.”
For more information on Products of Change and its services, visit productsofchange.com. Early bird tickets for POC’s 2025 conference on November 5 are now available.
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