The Business Design Centre: shining a light through generosity
The Islington-based Business Design Centre (BDC) has long been a big name in hosting some of London’s most exciting fairs, exhibitions and showcases. But recently, the venue has found a new purpose that goes beyond the usual events; it’s been using its space and resources to support those who need it most through its partnership with A Good Thing.
From makeup brushes to meaningful gifts
One of the BDC's most recent contributions was a donation of makeup brushes to the Single Homeless Project, a charity dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness. These brushes weren’t just random items; they were part of a women’s health day organised by the charity to support and uplift women facing tough times.
Ella from the Single Homeless Project told us: “We used the brushes as part of goodie bags to give out to residents. They were really well received and appreciated.”
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference – a simple set of makeup brushes that would have gone in the bin can help women feel valued and cared for during difficult times.
A thoughtful approach to giving back
Kirsty from the BDC told us more about the donations the centre has made. It has “donated socks and travel mugs to Street Storage, which partners with Showerbox, a project that provides showers to people experiencing homelessness,” she said.
The socks (which have their own story here!) were included in toiletries goodie bags; these, along with the travel mugs, are small comforts that go a long way towards providing care for people who need it most. It’s a simple but meaningful reminder that even the smallest items can have a huge impact.
Other donations have included small clear posterboards, which went to Cultivate London, a charity working to improve health and wellbeing across London, to be used at its events. Lanyards have also been given away, along with 6 brand new director-style chairs. These went to Bizzie Bodies CIC, a charity providing creative learning opportunities for children and young people who would otherwise often have minimal access to it outside of their school education. The charity said “We will use these in our young people’s activities: we run STEAM activities for young people and creative projects around the year with props.”
A brand-new induction milk frother was recently donated to Raw Material Music And Media Education Limited, a community music and creative arts centre in Brixton. Dare to Hope (dedicated to empowering families of people with autism and associated complex needs) received a box of branded tote bags, several stacks of notebooks and a big pile of pens, and told us: “We will share these with special needs institutions in Cameroon and use them in UK youth camps in gift bags.”
Branded drawstring bags and beanie hats were donated to the Hawley Amateur Boxing Club charity in Camden, which uses boxing to enrich young people's lives via self-confidence, purpose, and transferable life skills. The club explained it would be using the bags for a very worthwhile hygiene-poverty project for the local community.
Finally, 10 colourful chairs have been donated by the BDC to Age Concern Camden, to be used at its book club and sewing club, where it has been short on chairs.
And this is all just in the past few months!
Small items, big impact: how businesses can help
The BDC’s donations show just how much businesses can do, even with the things they might not think twice about. Whatever they are, these items are helping the people who need our help the most. The BDC is proving that even small acts of kindness, when matched with the right cause, can empower individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve.
While the Business Design Centre has long been a hub for design and innovation, it’s now using its platform to make a real difference in people’s lives. Through A Good Thing, it’s turning surplus items into gifts of care and compassion for the residents of London and beyond.
It’s a beautiful reminder that giving back doesn’t need to be extravagant; whether it’s donating excess items or simply sharing what you have, it’s the small actions that add up to something much bigger.
If you’re a business with surplus items lying around, why not consider partnering with A Good Thing? You never know how a seemingly small donation could transform someone’s life. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference.
