Bath firms that put ethical responsibilities at the heart of their business are being invited to enter the South West Fairtrade Business Awards.
Now in their fifth year, the coveted awards champion businesses that demonstrate commitment to using and promoting fairtrade and supporting fair and ethical business practices. 
Bath organisations have traditionally been among the winners of the prestigious awards. Last year city-based charity Kerala Crafts, which makes eco-friendly knickers, landed Gold in the Best Fairtrade Retailer – multiple products – category for the second year running.
Also winning Gold were the University of Bath and Bath Spa University in the Best Fairtrade University or College category while BPM Maintenance secured Silver in the Best Fairtrade Office category.
Sophie Kirk of Bath & North East Somerset was among the Gold winners for Best Fairtrade Advocate.
The awards are free to enter. Applications close on January 31. All businesses that meet the fair and ethical criteria are rewarded with an e-logo, certificate and seats at the awards ceremony. Winners of each category receive a unique trophy designed by Bristol Blue Glass.
In total 68 businesses from across the South West achieved bronze, silver and gold awards.
There are seven categories:
- Best Fairtrade Office
- Best Fairtrade Retailer – single product
- Best Fairtrade Retailer – multiple products
- Best Fairtrade Café or Restaurant
- Best Fairtrade Accommodation or Conference Centre
- Best Fairtrade University or College, sponsored by Triodos
- Best Fairtrade Advocate Award, sponsored by SWTUC
The best Fairtrade Business 2017 is selected from the winners of these categories.
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday March 10 between 11.30am and 2pm at Bristol Cathedral.
The Fairtrade Brunch at the ceremony will be provided by Zaytoun, which specialise in fairly traded products from Palestine, and there will also be an opportunity for business-to-business networking. Bath Business News’ sister title Bristol Business News will again be media partner of these prestigious awards.
A spokesman for last year’s winner of the Best Fairtrade Office Award, Minuteman Press, said: “Winning the award was the most wonderful way for the team to be recognised and meant so very much to all of us personally.
“Our association with Fairtrade has drawn positive comments, clients and suppliers expressing the desire to work with us having recognised our deliberate actions in choosing to work with and promote Fairtrade. The award has attracted additional business, which is a delightful bonus.”
Fairtrade guarantees a fair and living wage for small scale farmers in developing countries, as well as a social premium to benefit the wider community, to be spent on healthcare, education, clean water and more.
Fairtrade standards also guarantee environmental protection of local ecosystems and rainforests, as well as strict controls on waste, carbon emissions and water use. Fairtrade is an excellent anti-poverty tool as well as supporting sustainable farming methods across the globe.
To enter visit: http://www. bristolfairtrade.org.uk/ftba17
Pictured: Last year’s winners with, centre, ethical beauty and wellbeing expert Liz Earle MBE, who hosted the event. Photo by Jon Craig @joncraig.co.uk
