What is the Fairtrade Network?

In October 2003, a group of organisations called the Bristol Fairtrade Network (that's us) started work to make Bristol a Fairtrade City. In March 2005 that aim was achieved. On 4 March 2005, Bristol received its Fairtrade City status with a Fairtrade breakfast on board the ss Great Britain. Regina Joseph, a Fairtrade banana grower from Dominica in the Windward Islands, presented certification to the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Simon Cook. In return, she was given a Bristol Blue Glass coat of arms of the city as a sign of partnership and commitment to Fairtrade for the future.

The Bristol Fairtrade Network includes representatives from Bishopston Trading Company, Bristol City Council, Bristol University, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Christian Aid, the Co-Op Group, Cultures of Consumption, equop, Oxfam, Traidcraft, Trios Bank and UWE.

The aim is to maintain and build on the targets to make Bristol a Fairtrade city in 2006 and beyond. The network is supported by teachers, pupils and other individuals who are promoting Fairtrade through their schools, businesses and workplaces. New members are welcome.