From February 2–5, 2025, the premier UK sourcing event Source Home & Gift will return to the NEC Birmingham, focusing on Egyptian manufacturers and craftsmen and highlighting their outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability practices.
The new Egyptian Pavilion intends to showcase the special benefits of collaborating with Egyptian manufacturers while providing UK and European buyers with an unmatched chance to source responsibly. Egyptian manufacturers are a cost-effective sourcing option because they offer competitive operating expenses without sacrificing quality, shorter lead times, and quicker shipping to Europe.
Many Egyptian factories now follow international labor and sustainability standards like BSCI, WRAP, and OEKO-TEX certifications due to improved ethical standards. Additionally, favorable trade agreements and lower tariffs from trade pacts with Europe (EU-Egypt Association Agreement), Africa (COMESA), and the Middle East make goods sourced from Egypt more competitive and affordable in international markets.
Because of its accessibility and affordability, Egypt is the newest sourcing hotspot, according to Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Home & Gift. We are excited to present a pavilion of Egyptian producers who bring to the table a distinctive fusion of sustainability, innovation, and heritage. Source Home & Gift’s dedication to matching consumers with ethically verified suppliers from areas that are establishing the benchmark for sourcing in the future is demonstrated by the Egyptian Pavilion.
LNZYS, an inventive furniture company created by Nadine Helmy in 2017 as a result of her love of nature, is making its debut in the UK market. The brand turns natural materials into imaginative furniture and artwork. The company is renowned for creating unique venues from the ground up, such as the sustainable booth at COP 27. It also supports a community of more than fifty women and men by assisting them with their own small enterprises and artistic endeavors. “The chance to exhibit at Source Home & Gift in Birmingham is a unique gateway for us to the international market,” Helmy explains. It gives us opportunities to revitalize our tradition and culture while expanding LNZYS and its community arm.
Each handcrafted work by Threads of Hope, another new exhibitor, tells an engaging story while reviving the embroidery art with women in Cairo, Egypt. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Spring Fair for the first time, marking a major step in showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication behind our work to an international audience,” says Farida Elkalagy of Threads of Hope. Margarita Andrade developed Threads of Hope, which I am pleased to co-manage. Our specialties include embroidery, ajour, corded, cross-stitch, hand painting, and natural dyeing. We employ around 300 women and produce about 7,000 handcrafted items per month. Our approach is based on giving marginalized women and refugees fulfilling employment possibilities. Before beginning production, women participate in a two-month training program that allows them to work from home while taking care of their children. There are many women on our waiting list who are keen to join, and the more we produce, the more jobs we can provide. We have the opportunity to tell our narrative, engage a wider audience, and establish a connection with people who appreciate fine craftsmanship with a social impact through this exhibition.
The goal of the social enterprise Kendaka is to reform and revolutionize sustainable business methods. In addition to promoting their economic independence, empowering Badr City women through upcycling training and opportunities also minimizes waste and produces beautiful, unique goods. Carefully made by hand, each piece conveys a message of environmental responsibility and empowerment.
Amin Safwat, Kendaka Upcycle’s managing director, adds, “I’m very excited to be participating in the Birmingham Spring Fair. As a social venture, we are committed to building long-lasting companies that empower women. By giving Badr City women jobs and upcycling skills, as well as the opportunity to create beautiful and distinctive goods, we empower them through Kendaka. We are eager to present our work and establish connections with possible partners who share our commitment to social impact and sustainability. By selecting Kendaka, you’re contributing to a better future for women and the environment rather than merely purchasing a product.
Almeerath, which also aims to empower women, manufactures a variety of items, such as ceramic decorations, beaded season decorations, and blown Pyrex Christmas balls. According to Almeerath’s founder, Nivine Mohamed Sobhi Hassan, the company was founded in 1997 with the goal of selling handcrafted ornaments. We have participated in previous trade exhibitions throughout Europe, but we felt it was time to explore a new market in the UK, so we chose to exhibit at Source Home & Gift. We are incredibly excited!
Ideas are turned into fantastic things at Source Home & Gift, and the February 2025 show, which coincides with Spring Fair, is expected to bring in new products from global social entrepreneurs, powerhouse manufacturers, and artisans.
A must-attend event for the retail community, Source Home & Gift brings together international manufacturers with well-known retailers, brands, and designers who are seeking to source new items in an ethical and sustainable manner, regardless of whether you’re searching for toys, furniture, gifts, home goods, or packaging services.
The team works with governments and agencies from around the world to bring top-tier manufacturers and artisan producers to the UK to share their capabilities, and all exhibitors at Source Home & Gift must have a recent audit from Sedex or a reputable audit institution, giving buyers the assurance that they will be dealing with suppliers who have ethical business practices.
Source Home & Gift takes place on the 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com for more information.
