Earlier this year, we were excited to exhibit at B&Q’s internal décor event. Over three days, we connected face-to-face with around 750 store managers - the people who sell Harris brushes and products every day. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our 2026 range strategy and get meaningful feedback from the people who matter most.
Our stand was designed to bring our new vision to life, featuring live demonstrations, hands-on product experiences, and presentations across the B&Q Harris portfolio. But beyond showcasing great products, we had another key goal: creating sustainable exhibition stands.
Exhibitions often involve a lot of 'build it and bin it' materials. We wanted to do things differently.
From the very start, waste reduction was a core consideration. Instead of creating bespoke elements that would only be used once, we partnered with Tecna to build our stand using their existing modular frameworks. This approach allowed us to deliver a high-impact, professional-looking exhibition stand while keeping sustainability at the forefront, avoiding bespoke timber and keeping materials out of the skip. It helped us significantly reduce material use and avoid unnecessary waste.
We didn't just stop at the stand structure. We also ensured the stand had a purpose beyond the three-day event.
We printed the stand graphics on stretch fabric, planning for reuse right from the outset. Following the event, through a fantastic partnership with Sheltersuit UK, the graphics were repurposed into sleeping bags for people experiencing homelessness. This shows how putting sustainable thinking into the forefront early can reduce waste and create positive social outcomes.
We hope this approach shows that sustainability can be built into every stage of a project, even short-term ones. If this approach encourages others to consider how sustainable exhibition stands can be designed and reused, or helps support people through Sheltersuit UK, then it's been a true success.
Sustainability continues to be a major focus for Harris. Our work with Tecna and Sheltersuit UK reflects the direction we’re moving in, and we’re actively exploring ways to reduce waste and reuse materials across all our future exhibitions, campaigns, and projects.
We’re committed to making a difference, one paintbrush at a time. Find out more about how we make sustainable, eco-friendly decorating easier here.
