How It Started
The Product Place Network was founded by Fi Burge from B Gifted after many years working within the Gift Industry across Creative Studios, Product Development, Sales and Management. Trade shows and consumer events were always part of the calendar but despite being surrounded by inspiring businesses, there was rarely the time or space to network properly and build meaningful connections.
Now working as an industry specialist her "B Gifted Consultancy" continues to work directly with product-based brands, helping them refine their products, strengthen their positioning and build sustainable growth. At the same time, through her consultancy work supporting product-based business owners with product development and sales strategy, Fi kept hearing the same one question....
“Where can we find a network group that focuses specifically on our industry? There isn’t always time to network at gift fairs and trade shows.”
Fi attended numerous networking events, all valuable in their own way but none were centred around creative, design-led product businesses. There was no dedicated space for founders navigating wholesale, consumer retail, manufacturing, branding and product growth. So, after careful research and consideration, Fi launched The Product Place Network in 2024.
Created to bring together independent business owners working across product, retail and creative industries, the network is a collaborative, design-led community where founders, makers, designers, producers and brand builders can connect, share expertise and grow with confidence.
We believe creativity and commercial thinking belong side by side and that meaningful conversations drive real business progress by creating an environment where insight is shared, challenges are understood and opportunities are explored collectively.
Today, The Product Place Network provides a welcoming and purposeful space for independent brands to exchange ideas, gain industry perspective and build strong professional relationships without corporate formality. Whether online or in person, the focus remains the same: connection, collaboration and confident growth for product-led businesses.
As the community continues to evolve, the purpose remains clear to support and champion independent creative businesses at every stage of their journey.
