Our congregation has been a Fairtrade Church for many years but in 2020 we renewed our commitment and received this certificate.
This means that we commit to:
1. use Fairtrade products wherever possible (at least tea, coffee & sugar) and to share this information with the wider congregation.
2. integrate Fairtrade into the life of our place of worship, at Fairtrade Fortnight or other times of the year through other activities, sermons and services.
Traidcraft Administration Announcement
Very sadly, after more than 40 years of trading, Traidcraft has gone into administration and our thoughts and prayers are with all the employees and also the companies such as Just Trading Scotland, Zaytoun, Liberation Nuts, Bio-D and Divine Chocolate who were able to sell their products through Traidcraft. Our church stall will continue and will try to provide Fairtrade goods from as many of these providers as possible. Please come and see what we have or speak to Karena J.
Official Statement - January 21, 2023
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Traidcraft PLC is going into administration.
The business has been in a weak financial position for some years and the Covid-19 pandemic presented a significant new set of challenges. Just as we were emerging from the pandemic, like many other retailers, we faced the combined effects of the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices, and increased transport costs.
Sadly, despite the heroic efforts of our team at Gateshead, low consumer confidence during the critical autumn trading period led to a sales result significantly short of what was required to sustain the operation. December sales were also negatively impacted by the uncertainty created by Royal Mail strikes.
After much deliberation and following advice from external advisors, we have come to the conclusion that the only honourable course of action is to appoint administrators. Our hope is that by doing this in a timely manner, we can minimise the impact on our suppliers and creditors.
It is heartbreaking to bring the Traidcraft plc story to an end in this manner but we can at least take some consolation from the knowledge that we have been a major force for good in the ethical retail sector for over forty years. We have championed the cause of trade justice to the point where we now have better standards and procedures in place to protect the rights and dignity of growers and producers all over the world.
We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all those who have journeyed with us as employees, board members, shareholders and suppliers. We would particularly like to thank our loyal band of “Fairtraders”, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning.
The mission to combat trade injustice and poverty is far from complete. It is important to recognise that Transform Trade (previously Traidcraft Exchange, the charity arm of Traidcraft) will continue its vital work supporting producers and fighting for trade justice and people-centred trade. Our hope and prayer is that others will also emerge to pick up the torch that we have carried for four decades.
Board of Directors, Traidcraft plc, January 2023
27 February - 12 March 2023
Fairtrade Fortnight is going ahead as usual. All support is much appreciated.
21 February - 6 March 2022
Fairtrade Fortnight - read more about how you can help, support and make a difference.
February 2022
CHOOSE THE WORLD YOU WANT - Climate, Fairtrade and You. What Has Fairtrade got to do with tackling the climate crisis? Read more from individuals and churches (including our own Fairtrade Team) who are already involved. It also presents challenging and informative information about how we can all contribute and support.
April 2021 saw some of our Supporters of Traidcraft Exchange take on the challenge of trekking to Santiago - from home! They took up the challenge of walking 100km in April in support of the charity’s ‘The Regenerators Appeal’, raising £2169 which was doubled by the Government. This will help small producers in the developing world meet the challenges of climate change.
Congratulations ladies!