06:00, 03 July 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Last week we had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to Roger Wade, founder of Boxfresh, BoxPark and now Chairman of BoxFund VC at the Blue Earth Forum. For those that don’t know much about this streetwear mogul that now has a purpose to support purpose-led initiatives, keep on reading!
If you’re from London, you’ve most definitely heard or been to a Boxpark. Well Roger Wade is the visionary behind upcycling shipping containers into the world’s first pop-up mall. But fans of him will know from when he started the fashion label BoxFresh in 1989.
Roger’s innovative approach has reshaped the retail landscape, blending street food, fashion, and culture in a way that champions creativity and inclusivity. His idea is felt amongst young people in the city and his influence continues to make waves in both the business and cultural scenes.
Let’s get onto why Roger Wade was at Blue Earth to start with - BoxFund VC.
BoxFund is a dynamic venture capital firm with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business. They provide financial backing and expert mentorship to early-stage UK start-ups. Specialising in SEIS/EIS funding (explanation here), they focus on consumer brand businesses that align with their core values: Social Good, Healthy Planet, and Positive Business Practices.
BoxFund helps transform innovative ideas into profitable ventures, offering investments ranging from £100k to £2m.
We managed to catch him for a few minutes at the Blue Earth Forum, hear why he’s so passionate about socially good businesses at the video below:
To get a better understanding of the ethos and purpose of BoxFund, here are some examples of their latest initiatives they’ve invested in:
Boxpark revolutionised retail by creating the world’s first pop-up mall from shipping containers. Launched in Shoreditch, London, it turned underused urban spaces into vibrant hubs for shopping, dining, and culture. The concept’s success led to permanent locations in Shoreditch, Croydon, and Wembley, each blending independent retail, street food, and events.
With sustainability at its core, Boxpark continues to innovate and expand, with plans to bring its unique model to cities across the UK, reshaping the future of retail by combining creativity, community, and commerce in a bold, adaptable way.
Sticks is a corporate retreat business that specialises in offering ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) training and team-building experiences in unique countryside settings. Combining impactful learning with outdoor activities, Sticks provides companies with the perfect environment to enhance sustainability practices, foster collaboration, and build stronger teams.
Immersing employees in nature, the retreats promote meaningful discussions on social responsibility and environmental impact, while offering a refreshing break from the office. Whether it's improving team dynamics or driving change in corporate values, Sticks delivers transformative experiences that align with today’s need for responsible business practices.
Dicky Deans specialises in supplying and building luxury shepherd’s huts, handcrafted in the heart of Sussex. Combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, each hut is meticulously created to offer a unique, high-end experience. Perfect for personal retreats that provide comfort, style, and sustainability.
With an eye for detail and quality materials, their bespoke creations offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, making them ideal for those seeking a luxurious escape in nature.
Made from natural ingredients, Nuud offers a fresh, eco-friendly alternative to traditional gum, helping reduce plastic waste one chew at a time.
Most gum on the market is made from synthetic, plastic-based ingredients, whereas Nuud is made from natural ingredients like chicle (a tree sap). Harnessing a strong commitment to reducing plastic waste, Nuud is leading the charge for a cleaner, greener future.
