November 11th, 2010 by Paul
I`m delighted to report that my local borough, Sefton, is now a Fairtrade one!
Sefton includes the coastal resort of Southport, which is where the office and warehouse of my own business, THE FAIR TRADE STORE is based.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
Environmental officers at the borough council recently received official notification from The Fairtrade Foundation confirming the prestigious status has been awarded to Sefton residents.
It means that local caterers and retailers are going above and beyond the basic requirements to help workers across the globe get a fair return for their products.
Members in Sefton Council agreed the idea to support The Fairtrade Foundation in 2005 and a Fairtrade Steering Group of councillors, officers and enthusiastic supporters was set up in the borough. I became a member of this Steering Group in 2008.
Continue reading ‘Breaking News! Sefton becomes a Fairtrade Borough’
March 29th, 2010 by Paul
As part of recent activities during Fairtrade Fortnight, Paul Wolfenden, owner of THE FAIR TRADE STORE was presented with a certificate by The Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Alf Doran.
This certificate acknowledges that THE FAIR TRADE STORE is a committed supplier of Fairtrade products to customers throughtout the Borough and beyond.
The presentation was made in the prestigious surroundings of Southport Town Hall.
The Fairtrade Mark
Paul said after the presentation “It is a great honour to be recognised in this way and at a time when Sefton is applying to
The Fairtrade Foundation for official Fairtrade Borough Status. My business intends to be at the forefront of bringing Fairtrade products to as wide an audience as possible.”
PLEASE VISIT THE FAIR TRADE STORE`S ONLINE SHOP
March 5th, 2010 by Paul
It`s great news for THE FAIR TRADE STORE to get national recognition. The Guardian has selected our Totally Bobbles Felt Handbag to feature in their “10 Of The Best Fair Trade Products” .
Totally Bobbles Felt Handbag
See for yourself whether they are right in selecting one of our best selling
felt handbags……..
VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP NOW
December 9th, 2009 by Paul
On 7 December, Nestle announced that their Kit Kat chocolate confectionery product is going Fairtrade in the UK and Ireland as a breakthrough for cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
The move which will kick off in mid-January 2010, will benefit thousands of farmers in Côte d’Ivoire who as well as a Fairtrade price (or market price if higher), will receive additional Fairtrade premium payments to invest in long term community and business development projects of their own choice.
Kit Kat now carries The Fairtrade Foundation Mark
Whilst
THE FAIR TRADE STORE does not stock Kit Kat, nor indeed any Nestle products, here is your chance to comment on the announcement using this
Fair Trade blog forum.
VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP NOW
September 23rd, 2009 by Paul
Paul Wolfenden, owner of Southport-based online retailer THE FAIR TRADE STORE, has been invited onto Sefton Council`s Fairtrade Steering Group.
The objective of the Steering Group is to direct Sefton Borough towards Fairtrade Status, which is awarded by The Fairtrade Foundation once certain criteria are consistently meet.
The Fairtrade Mark
” I have accepted this invitation and look forward to making a positive contribution towards gaining Fairtrade Status for Sefton Borough.”
Paul went on to add, ” by buying Fairtrade you really are helping to make a difference to the lives of actual
producers in some of the world`s poorest countries”.
VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP NOW
August 18th, 2009 by Paul
THE FAIR TRADE STORE has recently joined Sefton Chamber of Commerce & Industry, whose offices are is based in Southport, Merseyside.
The Sefton Chamber of Commerce Team
Sefton Chamber`s motto is “opportunity is everywhere” and it assists locally-based businesses to network, in order to achieve business-to-business sales benefits.
Paul Wolfenden, owner of
THE FAIR TRADE STORE, commented ” I look forward to meeting new contacts and to raise the profile of
Fair Trade in the Borough and beyond”.
VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP NOW
August 11th, 2009 by Paul
Is Cadbury`s move to using Fairtrade ingredients for it`s famous Dairy Milk Chocolate done for the right reasons, or is it a cynical ploy to boost it`s profile by generating favourable PR?
Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate now carries The Fairtrade Mark
Cadbury Dairy Milk is by far the biggest brand to become certified by
The Fairtrade Foundation and carry
The Fairtrade Mark.
However, they have recently moved their retail prices upwards – some would say to pave the way for the higher on-costs associated with the supply of Fairtrade production.
Whatever your view, it is estimated that 40,000 out of 700,000 of Ghana`s Cocoa farmers will benefit from the project because they will now be supplying their crops to Cadbury under Fair Trade Principles.
You can view and buy our own Fairtrade chocolates by visiting THE FAIR TRADE STORE`s website.
VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP NOW
February 26th, 2009 by Matt
A Birkdale man has returned to his home town to launch Southport’s first online Fair Trade business.
Paul Wolfenden is set to launch THE FAIR TRADE STORE on Friday, February 27, which coincides with Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 23 until March 8th.
Customers who visit the website will be able to select from a wide range of goods including Funky handbags, Ethnic Jewellery, Recycled Fashion Accessories, Unique Fair Trade Gifts and a range of delicious Fair Trade Food and Drinks.
THE FAIR TRADE STORE
The business has an office and warehouse both based in Southport, Merseyside and
THE FAIR TRADE STORE will buy directly from UK importers registered with
BAFTS (The British Association for Fair Trade Shops). These importers have a close working relationship with the actual
producers in the developing world, usually via a co-operative or trade association.
This personal relationship ensures that
Fair Trade benefits are passed on to the
actual producers and their communities.
Paul, who spent 20 years as buyer for a number of leading supermarkets, said: “I want this area to be known all over the country as a Fair Trade champion.
“I know from my retail experience about the inequalities of unjust trade and decided to start a business to help address these issues in a positive way.
“It’s important, especially during these challenging times, that we don’t forget the millions who are less fortunate than us”.
The former King George V College pupil added: “Shoppers can make a real difference to those lives by making the right purchasing choice – based on quality, value and compassion.
“These are factors that I feel will appeal to the people of Southport and beyond.
“This is not about aid or charity – it’s about helping people help themselves through ethical trading practices.”
Paul, who joined Sefton Chamber of Commerce three months ago, is also liaising with a council steering group to ensure Sefton moves towards Fairtrade Borough status.
This will be awarded by The Fairtrade Foundation provided Sefton satisfies certain strict criteria relating to the distribution of Fairtrade products.
The Fairtrade Mark
Steve Dickson, CEO of
Sefton Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Promoting alternative supplies from across the world, where local
producers get the proper benefit for their labour and skill, is an important ethos in business.
“I hope very much that local consumers will explore the site and learn more about alternative options in the supply of goods and our support and good wishes go to Paul and his suppliers.”
To check out the site go to THE FAIR TRADE STORE at www.thefairtradestore.co.uk . The business will go live on Friday February 27, 2009.
VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP NOW
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