Winners of the first ever Fairtrade Business Awards

The winners of the first ever Fairtrade Business Awards were announced at a ceremony in Bristol last week. The Awards, sponsored by the Co-operative, were held at Leigh Court, the home of Business West, and presented by the BBC’s George Alagiah. Leader of Bristol City Council Barbara Janke, opened the awards ceremony by saying that the council was committed to the Fairtrade principle.

The Overall Winner of Best Fairtrade Business 2012, sponsored by Lyons Davidson, was Bishopston Trading Company. The Bishopston Trading Company sells clothes, linen, fabrics and much more, all made from fairtrade certified cotton. Bishopston is a fair trade company whose sole aim is to provide employment for the people of K.V.Kuppam. Bishopston provides the design and marketing skills, and the capital investment in the form of forward payments, and K.V.Kuppam provide the weaving and tailoring skills. Carolyn Whitwell, founder and MD of the company collected the Award and told the large audience that she was delighted and proud to gain such recognition.

The Best Fairtrade Office, sponsored by Burges Salmon, Essential Trading Co-operative Ltd. A leading European organic and Fairtrade product wholesaler. Lush Handmade Cosmetics has been named Best Fairtrade Retailer, sponsored by TLT LLC. Lush has been keeping Bristol smelling lovely and keeping us all committed to many different ethical and eco campaigns. 

UWE Catering Cart nabbed the title of the Best Fairtrade Catering Outlet. By using fairtrade and organic ingredients the UWE Catering Cart nourishes the body and the soul! And, the Best Fairtrade Accomodation went to the Greenhouse B&B.The Greenhouse, in Southville, chooses only organic, fairtrade and local foods, and uses organic towels, sumptuous natural bedding and toiletries that are kind to both you and the planet.

The Awards, which were uniquely designed and made by Bristol Blue Glass, were organised by Bristol Fairtrade Network in association with Business West, Destination Bristol and Bristol City Council, to promote fair and ethical business in the city.

Don't worry if you missed out! There's always next year....

For more details please go to: http://www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk