Not only was it a chance to visit some of our clients who were exhibiting there, it also highlighted the importance of sustainability and the diversity of over 1000 exhibitors pushing the boundaries in this area.

None of the companies exhibiting are just paying lip service to gain eco-points. To say you are 'green' is no longer enough. These companies are looking to partner with companies with coherent corporate responsibility policies that think and work the same way.

It's worth mentioning here that Sterling are ISO 14001 accredited, FSC, PEFC certified and meet DEFRA energy targets. Our commitment to the environment has brought us and our clients commercial benefits and given our customers the opportunity to work with a company that manages materials, resources and waste responsibly.

We saw some products that turned conventional thinking upside down. Here's just a few we liked - furniture made from paper waste, as solid (and heavy) as wood; paper fencing; furniture made from coffee grounds; augmented reality demo.

And the highlight for John - he got his hands on the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Sustainable Energy!