Last month, SFEDI’s very own Leigh Sear and Ruth Lowbridge were invited to act as judges of the inaugural Blue Patch New Business Awards. Blue Patch is a social enterprise and online marketplace selling British-made luxury lifestyle goods and working with some of the country’s best designers and makers. Billed as a ‘search for young, quality Independent British businesses that manufacture, make or provide a service with an interest in sustainability’, the awards themselves are all about picking out the crème de la crème of this country’s ethical makers and designers. Last month, the brand became the UK’s first pop up sustainable department store when it opened its doors (for one day only) to customers in Dulwich. This event also provided the ideal setting for the Blue Patch New Business Awards ceremony.

Leigh Sear, Chief Executive of SFEDI, acted as judge and first prize was awarded to The Soap Co. This innovative social enterprise produces lovely soaps with sophisticated fragrances, contemporary packaging and a firmly environmentally friendly outlook. Leigh said:

“All of the businesses shortlisted for the Awards demonstrated a clear passion for creating sustainable products in the UK and making a difference to others through developing and growing their businesses. In particular, the Soap Co highlighted that through being enterprising that they can provide opportunities for others who face challenges to gain employment in the labour market.

Other businesses to receive recognition include Lala & Bea, a children’s clothing brand producing fun, quirky fashion for kids aged 0-12, and Terre Verdi, a skincare company selling quality, organic cosmetics.

The Blue Patch Collective, the people behind Blue Patch, work with numerous British manufacturers and independent makers to curate exactly the type of website ethical shoppers will want to visit as Christmas rolls ever closer: www.bluepatch.org