Industry recognition is always a pleasure to receive and, already in 2017, we are proud to have been awarded the Best Fairtrade Office Gold Award and outright winner in Best Fairtrade Office award category, by South West Fairtrade Business Awards. The award was sponsored by Burges Salmon.

The prestigious Southwest Fairtrade Awards recognise and reward businesses based in the South West of England, which demonstrate an ongoing commitment to Fairtrade. The 2017 event was the fifth annual ethical business celebration within the South West. Awards are presented in various categories and recipients are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold awards, plus one business is selected as the group outright winner.

More than 50 prominent local South West businesses attended the event, which was opened by Councillor Helen Holland, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care to the Mayor of Bristol, and hosted by Helen Cooper, the Managing Director of Neal’s Yard Remedies. The occasion itself was held within the beautiful setting of Bristol Cathedral.

The event, which is part of the Fairtrade Fortnight, highlights the significant positive impact that Fairtrade can have on the lives of small producers. The Fairtrade principle actively seeks to protect the rights of small scale farmers and the local eco systems within developing countries. The aim is to guarantee a fair wage in addition to providing the social premium of community benefits for healthcare and education, amongst other benefits.

Fairtrade is an ethical choice that Minuteman Press Bristol have long adhered to and are extremely passionate about. We proactively support the principle through purchasing of Fairtrade products, displaying relevant promotional material, blog articles and supporting other Fairtrade businesses.