Church House Westminster played host to the inaugural Circular Economy Showcase in March 2022. The two-day event was co-ordinated by the CE-Hub at the University of Exeter for the NICER Programme and proudly supported by the Circular Economy Club and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
What is the ‘NICER’ Programme?
A collaboration of universities, businesses, policymakers, and others working to build an evidence base for creating a circular economy in the UK. It is coordinated by the CE Hub at Exeter University, which is researching what kind of barriers to CE (or environmental improvement) SMEs experience in practice, and whether this aligns with the academic research.
The Circular Economy Showcase
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research event included the CE-Hub Symposium, which was held in the Westminster venue’s largest event space, the Assembly Hall.
The exclusive event was attended by 190 guests each day and showcased innovative circular economy action through a series of short talks, expert and interactive panel discussions, an SME Showcase, and facilitated networking.
Day one of the event commenced with a ministerial address from Jo Churchill MP. The Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership, Emma Fromberg, course director at CISL will be our event compere.
Catering, including a buffet, was served in the Bishop Partridge Hall and the Hoare Memorial Hall, which also featured an array of exhibitors. The exhibitions provided attendees with opportunities to talk to innovative small businesses and build new relationships.
Day two saw delegates from across the NICER Programme taking part in workshops, panel sessions, and a variety of collaborative activities.
The event was free of charge, and the organisers offered attendees from underrepresented backgrounds access to a widening participation fund to assist with travel expenses.
What a great turnout for the first @CEHubUK supported by @CircularEClub @CEC_LDN and @cisl_cambridge – we have some great panellists and #smeshowcasers presenting today! Including @biohmhome @ToastAle @TechTakeback @RypeOffice @RubyMoonSwim @buymeonce @Packamama_ @satatland pic.twitter.com/NnjsYWJSTN
— DrResources (@DrResources) March 2, 2022
Emily Easman, CE-Hub Project Co-ordinator: UKRI National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research Programme, comments: “A huge thank you to your teams at Church House Westminster. Our event last week went really well and every member of your staff was so helpful and brilliant. Please pass on our thanks to your porters, security, chefs, front of house, and AV guys. The whole team received so many positive comments from our delegates about the venue, the service and in particular how great the food was!”.
Sarah Ross, Senior Event Coordinator at Church House Westminster: “It was exciting to be planning the first in-person event hosted by the NICER Programme. During the event, our largest events spaces were buzzing with attendees meeting in person and connecting with others whilst sharing ideas about the future of the circular economy.”.
For more information please get in touch with us via our contact form or give us a call on 020 7390 1590 to discuss your event.