Paula Gamester MBE, social enterprise The Sewing Rooms

Paula Gamester MBE, founder of the social enterprise Connector Media CIC and co-founder and of The Sewing Rooms, which upcycles, recycles and diverts textile waste from landfill, tells Kevin the story behind the creation of The Sewing Rooms, how she brought the thermal cooking bag to the UK to help tackle cost-of-living challenges and reduce carbon emissions, and gives her tips for running a sustainable social enterprise.

For full transparency, this episode was recorded late in 2025 and The Sewing Rooms has since gone into voluntary liquidation. We recognise that many third-sector organisations like this are operating in difficult times, particularly in relation to available funding sources and rising costs. This episode is published because it has such an inspiring message and themes which remain as good learnings on sustainability for listeners in the fashion, third-sector and other industries.

What is Sustainability Insiders?

In each episode of Sustainability Insiders, Kevin Hegarty speaks to business leaders to find out how they're making their companies more sustainable. In season two, Camilla Smith, from specialist sustainability recruiter Sustii, shares what candidates and employers are looking for in this fast‑growing talent marketplace. Ian O’Donnell MBE, from the Federation of Small Businesses, talks about the challenges - and opportunities - small businesses face in operating sustainably. And one of the sector’s standout leaders, Mary Aladegbola, breaks down how she navigates net-zero challenges across NHS England. Other guests include ESG lead Ewan Donald from engineering business Ipsum, and Graham Duxbury, Chief Executive of Groundwork. Hopefully each of their stories will inspire you on your sustainability journey, and give you the ideas and tools you need to make your own company more sustainable in the very near future.