HE Interiors Attends the Hospice UK National Conference: Connecting, Learning, and Sharing Design Solutions for Hospice and Charity Retail Spaces
HE Interiors was delighted to attend this year’s Hospice UK National Conference, a flagship event that brings together professionals, leaders, and innovators from across the hospice and end of life care community. Representing the company were Richard Sheppard and Freya Webb, who spent the two day event meeting with hospice teams, exploring emerging ideas in care environments, and showcasing HE Interiors’ specialist solutions for hospice design, refurbishment, and charity retail fit out.
The Hospice UK National Conference is widely regarded as one of the most important annual gatherings in the sector. It provides a rare opportunity for people from all corners of hospice care including clinical staff, operational leads, retail managers, fundraisers, facilities teams, designers, and suppliers to come together and share knowledge. Richard and Freya found the atmosphere not only inspiring but deeply collaborative. Across seminars, exhibitions, and informal conversations, one theme stood out: every hospice, regardless of size or location, is driven by a shared mission to create environments that support dignity, comfort, community, and financial sustainability.
For HE Interiors, attending the conference is always about listening first. Richard and Freya engaged with hospice teams who are facing the everyday challenges of delivering outstanding care within limited budgets, ageing estates, or evolving community needs. Many conversations focused on the critical role that the physical environment plays, not just in clinical spaces but also in public areas, family rooms, staff facilities, and hospice run shops.
The Power of Charity Retail
A growing number of hospices are recognising the power of charity retail as an essential revenue stream. With rising expectations from shoppers and increasing competition on the high street, the design and layout of hospice run shops are becoming key to driving footfall, improving revenue, and strengthening brand identity. Richard and Freya introduced delegates to HE Interiors’ full service approach to charity retail fit out, including concept development, sustainable materials, efficient shopfloor layouts, and visually engaging merchandising solutions. Many hospice teams were keen to learn how thoughtful design can transform underperforming shops into vibrant, profitable community spaces.
Thoughtful Spaces for Patients in Hospice
Beyond retail, the conference was an ideal platform for discussing hospice refurbishments and interior design. Whether creating calming patient rooms, uplifting visitor lounges, or functional staff workspaces, HE Interiors is committed to designing environments that reflect the values and personality of each hospice. Richard and Freya shared case studies demonstrating how modern design can improve wellbeing, operational efficiency, and overall experience for patients, families, staff, and volunteers.
Importance of Sustainability
Sustainability was another important theme throughout the event. As hospices aim to reduce environmental impact and manage long term running costs, interest in energy efficient lighting, durable materials, modular furniture, and waste conscious refurbishment is at an all time high. HE Interiors was proud to discuss practical, cost effective ways to make hospice environments greener without sacrificing warmth or comfort.
Learning for supporting hospice patients
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the conference was hearing the stories behind each hospice, stories of communities rallying together, teams who deliver exceptional care every day, and volunteers who are the heartbeat of charitable retail. Richard and Freya returned energised and inspired by the dedication shown across the sector.
HE Interiors would like to thank Hospice UK for hosting another outstanding event and for creating a platform where meaningful conversations can lead to real change. The team looks forward to continuing to support hospices across the UK with design solutions that are empathetic, efficient, and aligned with each organisation’s mission.
For those who connected with Richard and Freya during the conference, or for hospices exploring upcoming projects, HE Interiors welcomes further discussion about how thoughtful design can enhance both care environments and charity retail performance.
