We are proud members of BAFTS and thought it was about time we write a little blog about the incredible network they have created. BAFTS stands for the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers, set up in 1995, by Aileen Garden, then Manageress of Gateway World Shop, Durham, to be the voice of fair trade retailing in the UK. After 20 years of great work, they now incorporate organisations that sell fairly-traded goods, whether on a wholesale or retail basis. BAFTS currently have 132 members in all four countries of the UK, including the Isle of Man and Isle of Wight, who supply or sell goods from 28 different developing countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. The members are committed to working to bring about changes in the status of developing world producers through fair trade retailing and campaigning. Together, they provide a community for fair trade shops and suppliers, sharing ideas and best practices. BAFTS is run by a voluntary Board of five members and a part-time Marketing and Membership Coordinator. They are proud to be recognised as a national fair trade network by the WFTO. As members of WFTO they adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade and work to support their aims. Members are annually required to be transparent about their supply chain. Their Annual Conference and AGM are held in late May with the venue changing location each year, so that as many of their members as possible have the opportunity to attend. They also organise informal Regional meetings and events from time to time. Many BAFTS members have links with Fairtrade Towns’ as well as Fairtrade Nation campaigns in Wales and Scotland. In the coming months they will to be holding a Panel Discussion at Spring Fair at the NEC Birmingham about Successful Fair Trade retailing which our very own Laura Cave with be taking part in! There will also be 30 BAFTS members showing at the trade fair, so make sure you pop down. If you happen to be at Spring Fair on Tuesday 3rd Feb head down to The Trends Theatre at 1:15 pm to catch Laura’s talk along with the following inspiring speakers:
Ali Clifford – Director, Myakka
Joanna Pollard, Founder, Aztec Arts
Robert Colquhoun, Director, Myakka
Barb Wilson, Director, Love That Stuff