Bath’s ethical firms have until today, Friday, to enter the South West Fairtrade Business Awards following an extension of the deadline.
The coveted awards, now in their fifth year, are open to all organisations in the region that use Fairtrade products and prioritise fair trade practices within their business. 
They are free to enter and all award winners get a certificate and seats at the awards ceremony. Winners of each category also receive a distinctive Bristol Blue Glass Fairtrade trophy.
The awards ceremony is between 11.30am and 2pm on Friday March 10 at Bristol Cathedral and is hosted by Peter Kindersley, owner of Neal’s Yard Remedies, the leading producer and retailer of Fairtrade and organic beauty products.
Lunch will be provided by the Palestine Museum Cultural Centre’s Rest-Bite Café, using Fairtrade and organic ingredients from Zaytoun.
Last year 69 businesses in the region achieved bronze, silver and gold awards.
Previous winners from the Bath area include charity Kerala Crafts, which makes eco-friendly knickers. It earned Gold in the Best Fairtrade Retailer – multiple products – category for the second year running.
There are seven categories:
Best Fairtrade Office, sponsored by Burges Salmon
Best Fairtrade Retailer –single product
Best Fairtrade Retailer – multiple products, sponsored by The New Room
Best Fairtrade Café or Restaurant
Best Fairtrade Accommodation or Conference Centre
Best Fairtrade University or College, sponsored by Triodos Bank
Best Fairtrade Advocate Award, sponsored by South West TUC
The best Fairtrade Business 2017 is selected from the winners of these categories.
Winner of the 2016 Best Fairtrade Retailer Award (Single Product), Wedmore-based jeweller Erica Sharpe said “Since winning the award my orders have increased significantly. Fairtrade is a well-recognised and understood concept and has given confidence to my mission of making fine jewellery from ethically sourced materials.
“It is a privilege and honour to be recognised for promoting and working with something I feel so passionately about.”
To enter the awards go to: www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk/ftba17
Bath Business News’ sister title Bristol Business News is media partner of these prestigious awards for the fourth year running.
For more information, contact Danni Rochman, Bristol Fairtrade Project Co-ordinator bristolfairtradenetwork@gmail.com
