Current Appointments

The roles I hold across business, industry and local networks

Elliot Hyams Photo Profile Picture

SPS Pouches

I started SPS Pouches because there was a clear gap between what small brands needed from packaging and what the industry was offering. Most flexible packaging suppliers either weren’t interested in low volumes, or couldn’t explain the materials beyond what was printed on the spec sheet.

At SPS, we focus on printed stand-up pouches, spout pouches and recyclable mono-material options — but it’s never just about the format. It’s about giving founders real answers on things like barrier performance, recyclability, lead times and minimums — without overengineering, overpromising or greenwashing.

My role covers product development, materials and sustainability, but most of my time goes into helping brands make confident decisions in a space that’s often deliberately confusing. The goal is to keep things commercially useful.

Good packaging isn’t just about the product — it’s about helping brands grow without wasting time, money or materials

British Plastics Federation

I sit on the Sustainability and Technical Committees at the British Plastics Federation in a voluntary role. My focus is on helping the flexible packaging industry move toward mono-material formats that are actually recyclable — not just in theory, but through real infrastructure.

A lot of the challenge isn’t just material science — it’s about aligning format changes with what the UK’s recycling system can handle.

I try to bring a practical, SME-aware perspective to the conversation, especially for brands that can’t afford to overengineer or greenwash.

"The shift to mono materials won’t come from perfect science — it’ll come from practical decisions that work for real businesses, right now

NextGen Entrepreneurs Network

I’m one of the organisers behind NextGen, a business network for Bournemouth’s future founders, entrepreneurs, and early-stage businesses.

Our group is a growing network created for Bournemouth’s future business leaders who are serious about starting or growing their own ventures. Our mission is to build a vibrant, supportive community of young professionals who want more than just business cards—they’re looking for real connections, shared experiences, and opportunities to grow together.

Working for yourself often means working alone, and it can be difficult to find a sense of social connection within your professional life. That’s the gap we aim to fill. Our monthly events offer a relaxed, after work setting in high quality venues, where like-minded entrepreneurs can unwind, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. While our events are social in tone, they’re business in purpose—fostering referrals, collaborations, and informal mentoring among a driven, supportive network.

Importantly, while we focus on emerging entrepreneurs, our events also attract experienced business owners and professionals who are invested in supporting the next generation. This blend of fresh energy and seasoned insight is what makes our network effective—sparking collaboration, informal mentoring, and real business results.

As part of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCTC), we offer a natural pathway into the wider business community. The Chamber provides more formal events, training opportunities, and a broader network for those ready to deepen their professional engagement. Next Gen acts as the starting point—a friendly, welcoming space for young entrepreneurs to find their footing, their peers, and their voice within Bournemouth’s growing business landscape.

We’re here to empower the next generation of enterprise—socially connected, professionally focused, and stronger together.

The next generation of business leaders  needs support, real conversations, and people willing to invest in each other.”

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

TBC

Local business works best when people actually show up, support each other, and get involved beyond their own bottom line