As much as we love the festive season here at the BIPC, we don't love the amount of waste it produces. Small businesses supported by BIPCs across the country like Bea Thackeray's Keep This Cracker are leading the sustainability drive to innovate and reduce waste at Christmas. In this blog, we spoke to Bea about how her reusable Christmas cracker business began and how she is working hard to change how we consider consumerism at Christmas. 

Following on from our sustainability themed Christmas gift guide, we caught up with Bea to learn more about what running a sustainable business is really like, how small businesses can lead the sustainability charge, and some key tips and tricks for how to have a less wasteful Christmas.  

1. Tell us about how your business started.

Back in 2000 I co-founded a small graphic design agency. We liked to give our clients festive gifts and one year we decided on bespoke Christmas crackers. We had the designs handmade in Nepal by a Fair Trade project. They were made using beautiful handmade paper which was too strong to tear, so I began to look at making them reusable. The seed of an idea grew and in 2013 I launched Keep This Cracker. The crackers have since evolved and are now made in the UK using sustainable card. My business has steadily grown with the increasing interest in sustainability. My products are sold across various channels: 'Keep This Cracker' webshop, Not on the High Street and Etsy. I also supply galleries, visitor centres and independent retailers across the UK.

2. What inspired you to start a sustainable business?

Social corporate responsibility and ethical principles have long been in my blood. I began my career at The Body Shop in the early '90s, where I progressed to a senior designer role responsible for accessories and gift packaging. I worked very closely with the founder Anita Roddick for 12 years. It's where I developed my passion for Fair Trade and then went on to work as a consultant with Traidcraft for eight years, travelling to Africa and across Asia delivering training programs on marketing and product development to SME's. So when I started Keep This Cracker, I drew on all my past experience and created a product that would tick all the boxes. Here are some of the USP's.

The crackers come flat-packed ready to pop into shape and fill with the customers' own choice of gifts.

Free from single-use plastic.

The packaging is minimal and reusable, designed for customers to keep and store their crackers away for another day.

The ribbons are made in the UK using yarn made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Not only are the crackers fully recyclable, the kraft crackers and card wallets are compostable too.

All component parts and packaging are made by UK based manufacturers and always have been.

The most unique selling point is that Keep This Cracker comes with low-noise ecosnaps designed to be neuro-inclusive. They are pet-friendly too. But for those who like their crackers with a bang they work equally well with noisy snaps.

3. Do you think small businesses are better equipped to tackle sustainability issues?

I have seen some amazing ideas and inventions come from small and micro businesses. Sometimes these can come out of necessity when resources are tight, it forces you to think outside the box and find creative ways to save on materials and cut down on processes. But above all we are more nimble and able to adapt and pivot to meet market needs and most importantly stay ahead of the curve.

4. How do you think customer expectations of ethical purchases have changed?

In the last five years I have noticed a distinct shift in public awareness about the environment and ethical issues in general. When I began my business over 10 years ago, very few people were talking about sustainability least of all reusing anything. The idea of reusable Christmas crackers was a hard sell, but I stuck with it as I believed it was the right thing to do. But conversations are very different now as more people are fed up with waste creating products. With the introduction of more legislation banning an increasing number of disposables and plastics, I believe this is creating a behavioural change across society. Customers are genuinely interested to know how and where products are made and this is changing their purchasing habits. They are more likely to boycott brands that are misbehaving and will actively source alternative solutions.

5. What advice would you give to other businesses looking to become more sustainable?

My most important recommendation is to listen to your customers, ask them questions and get to know their needs and expectations.

We should all be aware of the ever changing landscape and continue to make improvements in the way we run our businesses. Many are not aware that by my making small changes they can help the environment and save themselves money in the process. Joining like-minded organisations and attending targeted networking events is a great way to learn about all aspects of sustainability such as forms of accreditation, the available funding and how to begin the journey to net zero.

6. How has the BIPC helped your business start up and grow?

Before I launched my product, I visited the patent office at the British Library in London. I attended workshops about bringing your invention to market, and went on to file my first patent application. Now that I’m based in Greater Manchester, I was delighted to learn that a similar facility is available here.

I have received expert advice through the BIPC on various aspects of intellectual property including trademark and design registration, which has been instrumental in protecting my designs and the brand. I have also attended, as well as taken part in, workshops and shared my journey with budding entrepreneurs. It's a valuable resource for networking and learning whether you are a seasoned business owner or a start-up.

7. This Christmas, lots of our readers will be looking to make more sustainable swaps. What would be your top 3-5 tips for a more eco-friendly and less wasteful festive period? 

In the UK we discard 30% more rubbish over the festive season than the rest of the year. That's about 3 million tonnes. Here are some tips on how we can save on this shocking amount of waste.

108 million rolls of wrapping paper are used in the UK every year most of which can't be recycled and is binned. Instead, we can;

Keep and reuse our wrapping paper,

Use recyclable kraft paper and jazz it up with coloured ribbon or jute string,

Buy festive gift bags or gift boxes that often get passed on and reused,

Or invest in some fabric wrap and learn about the Japanese art of Furoshiki.

1.6 million advent calendars made of card, including foil and single-use plastic are discarded and if they end up going in the recycling they can contaminate the process. There are many imaginative options on offer that you can keep and use year after year, including;

Fabric wall hangings with mini pockets,

Small wooden chests in all shapes and sizes,

Bunting can be used to hang gift boxes or bags,

These can all be filled with your own gifts instead of the usual cheap chocolates.

6 million Christmas trees are thrown away in the UK equating to 9000 tonnes of waste and high levels of dangerous methane. 80% of the trees sold are Nordmann Firs. A six foot tall tree will take 10-12 years to grow. Buying an artificial tree, although made of plastic and non-recyclable, it can last for well over 10 years, but this needs to be measured against what happens when it is finally disposed of. There are schemes where you can rent a tree from a grower and return it year after year. Increasingly more trees being sold in pots.

£42 million worth of unwanted gifts end up in landfill. On average a child may receive 16 toys each. As we are all looking to spend more wisely this year, we could put our minds to more meaningful choices such as;

Experiences and days out,

Theatre or concert tickets,

Vouchers for classes and fun activities,

Family members could club together and buy a more precious gift that will be cherished.

 

You can find Bea's products at keepthiscracker.com. To find your local BIPC and find out how we can help your business, search for your area on our map here.

As the festive season approaches, we know it can be hard to find unique, high-quality gifts for your loved ones. Luckily, our incredible BIPC businesses are here to help! By choosing something from our gift guide, you'll not only surprise someone with a great present, but you'll be supporting our vibrant community of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Many of our featured gifts are designed and sustainably made in the UK, so you'll be looking after the planet too. 

The most punderful time of the year

Looking for unique Christmas gifts that make everyone smile? Look no further! Mister Peebles, who used our scale-up programme Get Ready for Business Growth, make cards, prints and other paper goods with a sense of pun. Every product begins as a hand-painted watercolour by founder Helen, inspired by her love of animals and playful wordsmithing. Whether it's a card featuring a punful penguin or a whimsical wall print, Mister Peebles' creations are as thoughtful as they are charming. And the best part? These gifts are planet-friendly. Their Christmas cards are printed on recycled coffee cup paper, and everything is made in-house or by local, independent UK printers using sustainable materials.

Cost: £3.50 - £60. Use the code 'BRITISHLIBRARY' for 10% off orders over £10 until the end of Jan 2025.

Where to find: Mister Peebles

Designed for joy

This festive season, choose gifts that make a difference. Designs in Mind are a not-for-profit studio in rural North Shropshire where creativity empowers artists that have been referred from mental health services. Once part of Designs in Mind, their artists use their talent to create high-quality products like cards, prints, tea towels, cushion covers, aprons and more. Through their involvement in the Get Ready for Business Growth programme Designs in Mind were able to develop a marketing strategy that is now being supported by the Baring Foundation. 

Cost: £3.50 - £20. Code 'LARKTEN' will give you 10% off the whole store until 21st December. 

Where to find: Designs in Mind

Shine bright this season

This Christmas, let your gifts tell a story. Aquila Jewellery brings wanderlust to life with handmade designs inspired by the world’s most captivating corners. Crafted with care from recycled silver and gold, each piece reflects a journey of discovery. The designs come to life in their Brighton shop and are carefully brought into being by talented artisans in Asia and Indonesia. From eco-friendly packaging to partnerships with Responsible Jewellery Council-approved artisans, Aquila Jewellery ensures that every detail, down to the recycling of precious metals, aligns with a vision for a brighter, sustainable future.

Cost: £30 - £300

Where to find: Aquila Jewellery

A sustainable surprise

Surprise your loved ones with unique homeware and lifestyle products from our Get Ready for Business Growth graduate Jessica Anderton. Inspired by Jessica’s original hand-painted artwork, every piece is crafted with care and a commitment to sustainability. From beautifully designed kitchen accessories to statement pieces for the home, Jessica’s collection is perfect for those who love to add a touch of creativity to their living spaces. Each product is made in the UK using environmentally conscious processes and ethically sourced materials, making it a thoughtful choice for eco-conscious gift-giving.

Cost: Various (starting from £5.00). Use code: 'BRITISHLIBRARY' for 10% off your entire order. 

Where to find: Jessica Anderton Designs

A crafty little Christmas

Bring elegance to your holidays with Cambridge Imprint’s distinctive patterned papers, stationery and homeware. Through specialist one-to-one sessions during our Get Ready for Business Growth programme, founder Ali was able to formulate a detailed action plan to grow her business and gain confidence to start making changes. Now known for its vibrant colours and hand-stencilled designs inspired by English traditions like the Bloomsbury Group and mid-century modernism, every Cambridge Imprint product adds a touch of timeless charm, perfect for gifting or decorating sustainably.

Cost: Various (From £2.75 to £190).

Where to find: Cambridge Imprints

Deck your halls

This Christmas, give the gift of modern luxury infused with West-African vibrancy. Eva Sonaike’s stunning range of home textiles, soft furnishings and tabletop collections combines bold colours, intricate patterns and African traditions to create truly unique pieces handmade in the UK with the highest attention to detail. Available in prestigious stores like Liberty and Selfridges, Eva Sonaike’s collections bring her design ethos of 'Bringing Colour to Life' to every space. Celebrate the season with designs that radiate warmth and joy, perfect for transforming any home.

Cost: Various 

Where to find: Eva Sonaike

Merry and bright

Make your gift-giving truly special with Delmora’s unique jewellery collection, founded by Judy, our BIPC Local in Bromley's business ambassador. Each piece blends luxury with purpose, offering not just beauty but a meaningful story. Their Tree of Life set is adorned with traditional multi-coloured glass beads known in Colombia as chaquiras and is handcrafted to inspire and empower. Plus, their Recycling and Repair Service helps reduce waste and keeps treasured pieces in pristine condition, combining elegance with sustainability.

Cost: £45 - £160

Where to find: Delmora

Unwrap some creativity

Add a touch of festive fun and creativity to your celebrations with Sweet Paper Creations, our wonderful business ambassadors for BIPC Waltham Forest. Perfect for all ages, these kits come in a variety of seasonal designs, making them a memorable present or activity for the whole family. When you buy from Sweet Paper Creations, you’re giving more than a gift: you’re also supporting their interactive workshops and helping them bring mental health support to their local community. 

Cost: £25 

Where to find: Sweet Paper Creations 

'Tis the season to sparkle

Give the gift of timeless elegance this Christmas with Emma Holland’s exquisite fashion jewellery. Designed in the heart of Surrey and crafted by skilled artisans in Thailand, each piece blends modern design with classic sophistication, creating the perfect accessory to express individuality and style. With over 15 years of experience and a dedication to quality, Emma ensures every piece is meticulously crafted to be both beautiful and enduring. To avoid becoming overwhelmed with the strains of running a small business with limited resources, Emma often seeks expertise and support from our Get Ready for Business Growth programme, enabling her to focus on driving her business forward and planing for the future. Support a passionate small business this festive season and make your gifts shine!

Cost: £25 - £120

Where to find: Emma Holland Jewellery

Snap, cracker, pop! 

Do you love Christmas crackers but hate all the waste? Keep This Cracker has the answer. Bea Thackeray began her business a decade ago after visiting the BIPC at the British Library to ask about how to commercialise her invention. Keep This Cracker are sustainable alternatives that pull like standard crackers but can be reused by simply replacing the snap. You can fill the crackers yourself with treats your loved ones will actually enjoy and reuse them year after year. They come with ribbons and low-noise ecosnaps that pull with a gentle pop, ideal for those with neurodiverse conditions and pet owners. If you're a fan of pulling a cracker with a bang, Bea sells noisy snaps too. 

Cost: £22 for a pack of 6 flat-packed low-noise crackers (noisy snaps sold separately)

Where to find: Keep This Cracker (also available on Not on the High Street and Etsy)

With less than two weeks to go until Start-up Day, the chance to boost your business for free, we reached out to some of our delivery partners who you can expect to meet on the day to find out more about what you can expect, as well as get some business insights and advice.

Whether you're just starting up, looking to grow or simply have a brilliant business idea, Start-up Day is for everyone. Find out more and book here.

Become informed, inspired and empowered

"Starting your own business – and succeeding in it - can be both daunting and lonely, but also really rewarding. Start-up Day is the ideal opportunity to become informed, inspired and empowered. You can enjoy a day of talks and advice from entrepreneurs and business specialists, plus it’s a great way to meet and network with like-minded, budding business owners like yourself.

I will be co-hosting the event, which means I’ll get to welcome everyone, introduce our amazing speakers and get to meet and talk with many of the wonderful attendees between sessions throughout the day.

My advice to someone starting out is to pick a business that is related to your passions, talent and heart. This will ensure that you really have that energy and drive that you will need to succeed. It is also vital that you research, attend events, get informed and test the water of your ideas.

The Business & IP Centre is the ideal way to do that with all sorts of resources, information, one-to-ones, webinars and events to help you. Finally, take care of yourself and your health and foster a healthy mindset – see it as an ongoing learning journey, not a short sprint."

- Rasheed Ogunlaru, Coach, Speaker and Author

Fresh ideas and unique approaches

"Start-up Day is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from a diverse group of industry experts in an engaging and inspirational setting. I strongly encourage you to attend sessions led by professionals from sectors outside your own, as their perspectives can provide fresh ideas and unique approaches to your business or concept.

As a business advice partner of the BIPC, I’ll be participating in the speed-mentoring sessions, where you’ll have the chance to connect with a variety of experts and receive tailored guidance and inspiration specific to your goals. This fast-paced format is designed to be dynamic, enjoyable, and highly creative.

So what are you waiting for?"

- Peter Schonbeck, Founder of Productschön Consulting

Turn your potential into performance

"Start-up Day is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to gain valuable insights, network with like-minded individuals and access resources that can significantly boost their business growth.

I'm excited to offer a dynamic speed mentoring session on Start-up Day, where I'll delve into the intricacies of marketing, sales, and business growth. With a focus on practical, real-world strategies, attendees will leave with personalised insights and actionable plans designed to propel their businesses to new heights. It's all about turning potential into performance!

If you're looking to start-up, my advice is that consistency is key. Develop a clear marketing strategy and stick to it, while remaining adaptable to changes in the market."

-  Rebecca Thomson, Director of Local Marketing Made Easy   

A raft of free business support

"Start-up Day is an amazing opportunity to access a raft of free business support and guidance from industry experts, including inspirational talks and speed mentoring, all in one place

I will be taking part in the two speed mentoring sessions where entrepreneurs will get the chance to seek advice from myself and a team of mentors. We’ll be covering areas such as intellectual property, business strategy, routes to market, marketing and finance.

My advice to someone starting up would be to develop a business plan that is underpinned by market research. Your research should help you to understand the market segment you plan to operate in, identify any problems/pain points that you can provide solutions to, identify your target customers and key competitors. The BIPC is a great start with access to sector specific market research databases, free of charge."

- Alison Lewy MBE, Founder of Fashion Angel  

Entrepreneurial inspiration

"Start-up Day is an event of entrepreneurial inspiration and practical advice. On the day I'll be hosting a session focused on food and hospitality businesses. Whether you're thinking about selling homemade cupcakes or opening a full-scale coffee shop or restaurant, I'll answer your specific questions.

One key piece of advice I always emphasise is to start small and test your ideas in the market before launching on a larger scale. This approach allows you to refine your concept and minimize risks."

- Vasken Jermakian, Foodication Restaurants Ltd

It's fast, fun and very creative

"Start-up Day is the perfect chance to hear from multiple experts in a fun and inspirational way. Definitely make sure to check out experts from industries that are not your own, as they might give you a new way of looking at your business or business idea!

I will be part of the speed-mentoring sessions, where you get to meet all kinds of experts and get inspired by their advice and ideas related to your business. It's fast, fun and very creative.

My advice to someone just starting out is to set aside time every week to think strategically, maybe an hour or so, then every month a whole day. So many people get caught up in the doing-doing-doing without giving themselves time to think about the big picture or learn more so they can do even better. Start-up Day is a great opportunity to think and learn for a day."

- Melissa Addey, Author and Writer

Network as much as possible

"At Start-up Day you'll meet new people, share ideas and learn something too. No matter what stage of business you're at, networking and getting out and about are key!

I will be on hand to help guide entrepreneurs and share some of my 20 years of business experience.

My early stage business advice is firstly to network as much as possible with potential partners, funders, suppliers and of course customers. Secondly, test your idea before officially going to market as it can save a lot of time and money in the long run."

- Michael Murdoch, Founder of The House

Start-up Day takes place at the British Library on Tuesday 19 November. You can discover secrets to success from renowned industry leaders like Charlie Bigham, network with like-minded entrepreneurs and get a professional headshot to enhance your brand. Plus, you can explore our dedicated BIPC area in the British Library and connect with industry experts at our speed mentoring sessions. Book now.

You can also join us later for an inspiring evening with TV Dragon and business mogul, Sara Davies MBE. You'll hear about her journey to success and get the chance to ask her your burning questions. Book your tickets here.