As a FAIR TRADING COMPANY we believe in ensuring that the artisans who make our products get a fair wage and they work in a safe and healthy environment. We try to make sure that the community as well as the individual benefits from our trade, and we visit as many suppliers as possible to check that fair standards are being applied, for instance adequate lighting and ventilation in the workplace, no child labour and gender equality. We also aim to minimise harm to the environment by using sustainable or recycled materials in production, and shipping goods by sea instead of by air.

We are members of BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops) and WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) formerly IFAT (International Federation for Fair Trade), and we monitor our performance regularly against the ethical standards set by WFTO. Click here for the 10 standards of Fair Trade set by WFTO for Fair Trade organisations.

The majority of our products are bought direct from abroad, from suppliers who are fellow-members of WFTO, or who have been recommended by other WFTO members. Many of these suppliers have been set up as non-profit organisations to enable small-scale producer groups to export effectively, and to help them develop their products for larger markets like the UK. Most producers are organised in family groups or co-operatives, often in rural areas or small towns, and are highly skilled in their craft but have little experience of selling beyond a local market.

We do buy from a few UK importers, choosing those which are genuinely committed to fair trade principles and practice. In addition we sell some UK-manufactured products, particularly if they support our environmental aims on recycled paper and glass for instance.

By buying from us, you are helping to provide much-needed jobs in countries like India, Vietnam, Kenya and Peru - for people who are often on the margins of society with little or no other source of income.

If you'd like to know more about Fair Trade, you can obtain leaflets from any of our shops (or phone us on 01904 655314).