Articles

The software did its job. Then the real work started.

Cathy Benwell's platform A Good Thing connects businesses' surplus stock to local charities. And it works beautifully. But the software was only part of the story. In this episode of HappyPorch Radio, Cathy talks honestly about the human effort, the chicken-and-egg early days, and the harder questions she still sits with.

Why We Only Work in the Circular Economy

HappyPorch didn't set out to serve only circular economy companies. It happened gradually, as we noticed how well our mix of technical skill and values-driven thinking fit the specific challenges circularity presents. This piece walks through how we see the space: why circularity makes sense environmentally, socially and commercially, and where technology fits into that picture.

From Compliance Burden to Competitive Edge: What Eco-Modulation Could Mean for Your Brand

As HappyPorch Radio kicks off its 10th season, WEFT's Gerrard Fisher joins us to explore textile EPR and eco-modulation: Why brands should see it as opportunity rather than compliance burden, how AI-built prototypes can accelerate early development, and when it's time to bring in professional developers.

Exploring the Past, Present and Future of Peer-to-Peer, Rental and Sharing Economies: A UK Perspective

The UK has quietly become one of the world's most innovative hubs for sharing, renting and circular economy models. From community tool libraries and peer-to-peer platforms to circular-minded fashion and toy rentals, explore the full story of how we got here, the technology making it all possible, and where things are headed. Do you agree the UK leads the way? We want to hear your take.

Walking the Talk: Our B Corp Recertification Journey

Recertifying as a B Corp is a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made while staying true to our values. The process, challenges, and lessons along the way remind us that living our values is an ongoing journey.

Vibe Coding: A Game-Changer for Circular Economy Startups

Vibe coding has made it far easier for non-coders at Circular Economy startups to freely experiment with creating products, at a far lower cost than before. But there are several things to consider, in order to optimise the experience of and benefit from using them. 

When Crisis Becomes Catalyst: How BIYU Transformed In-House Software Into a Circular Economy Platform

Come explore a journey that many software teams will recognise: the challenging transition from building internal tools to creating commercial products. You'll get valuable lessons about embracing uncertainty, learning from users, and the surprising ways business pivots can unlock new opportunities.

From Tech Executive to Fashion Rental Pioneer: Büsra Zanner of Wearr

How do you make circular rental feel as good as buying new? How can tech best enable that? These are the essential questions we explored in a frank, insightful conversation with Büsra Zanner of Wearr, an event oriented premium clothing rental company out of Germany, serving across the EU. 

How Cirkel Supply is redefining winter sports rental

Discover how technology and smart partnerships are enabling Cirkel Supply's elegant circular rental solution for casual skiers to frictionlessly get their gear, and the benefits accrued to brands and businesses along the way. 

How technology can be used to scale circular rental businesses

Our conversation with Andrew Rough, CEO of Advanced Clothing Solutions, a leading light in the circular fashion sector, proved to be a brilliant example of how thoughtful technology strategy can make all the difference in enabling circular businesses to scale.