As UK small businesses adapt to changing economic conditions and environmental expectations, Elliot Hyams is providing the kind of measured, values-led leadership that many founders now seek. As director of SPS Pouches Ltd and co-founder of Bournemouth’s NextGen Leaders Network, he is helping a new generation of entrepreneurs grow with confidence, structure, and sustainability at the core.
Backed by the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce, the NextGen Leaders Network is fast becoming a trusted space for first-time directors, solo founders, and young business leaders. Its recent May event, hosted at Neo, attracted a wide range of professionals looking for guidance grounded in clarity and support — not bravado or burnout.
“There’s a huge appetite for new young leadership,” Hyams says. “People are tired of the showmanship surrounding entrepreneurship and networking — the chasing, the stress, the image. They want to build things that work, with good people surrounding them.”
Through SPS Pouches Ltd, Hyams also works closely with SMEs in food, wellness, and e-commerce, guiding them through the shift to recyclable pouch packaging. In a recent British Plastics Federation article, he addressed the key challenges these businesses face — particularly the perception that sustainable packaging is either too costly or too complex for smaller operations.
From sustainable packaging strategies to business coaching, Hyams applies a calm, methodical approach. In an unpredictable business landscape, the rise of initiatives like NextGen is helping small firms make decisions that are not only future-proof, but rooted in long-term purpose.
About Elliot Hyams
Elliot Hyams builds quietly and leads by example. With a background in sustainability and business strategy, his work focuses on creating stability in the sustainability sector which is often defined by misconceptions and spin. Known for his calm approach and practical mindset, he supports both early-stage founders and established brands through clear, no-hype realism. His wider contributions reflect a belief that progress doesn’t need noise — it needs structure, intent, and good people. Explore his sustainability blog for packaging insights and more on his work with UK businesses.
