Across the UK, BPMA members are proving that surplus stock can make a significant difference when placed in the right hands. Through their ongoing partnerships with A Good Thing, member companies are demonstrating a collective commitment to sustainability, community support and waste reduction.
Allwag Promotions, a certified B Corp and signatory to the BPMA StepForward Pledge, has been particularly active. Since joining the platform in June 2023, the Chelmsford-based firm has donated a wide array of items; from branded Converse and water bottles to notebooks, headphones, and pen pots. Operations Executive Sasha Staines described the process: “The donation process was very smooth. We kept track of the stock levels our end, and coordinated dates and times with charities to collect.” The donations enabled them to clear warehouse space while directly supporting charities like Women of Grace UK and The Little Edi Foundation.
The impact has been powerful. Valerie Lolomari of Women of Grace UK shared: “These contributions have helped restore dignity, especially for those navigating trauma, poverty and isolation.” Similarly, the Little Edi Foundation has distributed donations to families and children in need, both in Essex and abroad.
Down in Sussex, Willsmer Wagg has been just as generous. Known for its creative merchandise and fulfilment services—and recently awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal—the company donated over 400 items, including Rubik’s cubes, hamper boxes and wooden giftboxes.
Their donations were matched with several charities, including The Sid Youth CIC, who used the Rubik’s cubes in their mentoring programmes, and Sharnford Youth Club, who repurposed the packaging for foodbank hampers and youth workshops. East Preston Men in Sheds used the wooden boxes for tool storage and even turned them into insect houses for fundraising. Managing Director Debbie Willsmer and her team have been praised by A Good Thing for their generosity and ongoing support.
Meanwhile, Bio Laboratories, a Cheshire-based BPMA supplier member, took the opportunity to repurpose some slightly unusual surplus items—including 205 yellow ceramic plant pots and 125 compact mirrors. These found their way to The Wellspring and The Rossendale Trust, where they’ve been used for community gardening projects and charity events.
Sue Heaven at The Rossendale Trust said: “I would like to express our sincere thanks for the continued generosity and support from Bio Labs. Its first donation of compact mirrors was a wonderful addition to our goody bags at the annual ladies’ charity lunch in May. Bio Labs also kindly provided football-shaped lip balms for our Family Festival in July. With a focus on sports and outdoor fun, these were the perfect to giveaway for the children taking part in the activities.”
Sue Mannion from Bio Labs also commented: “We would not send them to landfill… we just needed to find them a good home, which we now have thanks to A Good Thing!”
If you’re ready to take a positive step towards being a more sustainable business, Sign Up to A Good Thing today for free!
