Resource to Unearth Emerging Circular Economy Innovators with the 'Launch Pad'

LONDON, August 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Set to uncover the next generation of UK entrepreneurs, experts and disruptive innovators needed to enable businesses to adopt a circular economy approach, Resource (http://www.resource-event.com) is calling for innovative small companies and start-ups to join its Launch Pad initiative.
 
The Launch Pad has 10 subsidised spots for circular economy businesses and enablers to pitch their technologies, processes, platforms, service or offering to over 11,000* professionals looking to secure future materials sources and develop a model for profit in a circular economy.
 
Already confirmed on the Launch pad at the world's leading event for the circular economy are WARPit and Bag:ReBorn. WARPit are the developers of a resource reuse network allowing staff to share (give away or loan) surplus physical resources within their organisation, and between organisations.
 
WARPit Founder Daniel O'Connor said: "As a company helping the public and private sector move towards zero waste, investing in The Launch Pad at Resource was a no-brainer for us. As a young business set up just three years ago we do not have the marketing reach of larger companies, so the Launch Pad will enable us to have a presence in front of thousands of circular economy players under one roof."
 
Also taking part are Bag:ReBorn, a specialist packaging design company motivated by reuse and prevention. Designed to extend the life-cycle of two of the most short-lived plastic products on the planet; Bag Re:Born is an innovative waste/resource collection sack that is cleverly disguised as a reusable shopping bag.
 
Commenting on joining Resource's Launch Pad, Richard Simmonite, the award-winning innovator behind Bag Re:Born said: "As a company, Bag Re:Born shares many of the core values of The Resource Event. We believe in disruptive innovation and supporting the circular economy; values inherent in our company slogan - 'no excuse for single use'.  We see Bag Re:Born playing a key role in reducing dependence on raw materials and changing consumer attitudes towards waste and reuse. As part of The Launch Pad, we look forward to working with like-minded companies towards a more sustainable future."
 
With one in five British mid-sized businesses now classified as "high growth" and start-up activity on the rise in the UK, it is critical that business owners learn and adopt circular business models. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 'emerging innovators' in the form of start up or small businesses hold the key to unlocking innovation barriers to circular progress. 

Stephen Gee, Event Director, Resource said: "SMEs are the lifeblood of Europe's economy, but both lack of available finance and knowledge currently prevent around fifty percent of business owners adopting circularity and exploiting the commercial opportunities it represents. The Launch Pad has been set up both to help SMEs break into the market and bring new thinking and disruptive innovation to the masses."
 
The Resource Event; takes place 3rd to 5th March 2015 at London's ExCeL. If you are keen to exhibit on the Launch Pad, please contact David Bradbury, Key Account Manager, Resource on M: +44(0)7920-547874, T: +44(0)20-7921-8213 or E:David.Bradbury@ubm.com.