My Borough
22 out of London’s 33 boroughs now have Fairtrade status, with many more working hard towards this fantastic goal.
Find out more about Fairtrade in your borough, and how you can get involved, by clicking on the links below.
- BARKING & DAGENHAM
- BARNET
- BEXLEY
- BRENT
- BROMLEY
- CAMDEN
- CITY OF LONDON
- CROYDON
- EALING
- ENFIELD
- GREENWICH
- HACKNEY
- HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
- HARINGEY
- HARROW
- HAVERING
- HILLINGDON
- HOUNSLOW
- ISLINGTON
- KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
- KINGSTON
- LAMBETH
- LEWISHAM
- MERTON
- NEWHAM
- REDBRIDGE
- RICHMOND
- SOUTHWARK
- SUTTON
- TOWER HAMLETS
- WALTHAM FOREST
- WANDSWORTH
- WESTMINSTER
BARKING & DAGENHAM
Barking and Dagenham Council passed a resolution in 2006 to support Fairtrade and continues to work towards Fairtrade Borough status. More organisations, from businesses, schools and churches to shops and cafes are using and selling Fairtrade products. Fairtrade is continually promoted in local events too, including the Dagenham Town Show and the Big Green Borough Day.
To find out more, contact volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
Barnet’s Fairtrade Campaign Group continues to work towards Fairtrade Borough status. Barnet’s schools are at the forefront of helping to raise awareness locally. The Business Forum in Edgware is supportive with a range of retailers and cafés already on board, alongside several local churches and synagogues. The Group hopes to use Edgware as a model to inspire activity throughout the Borough and persuade the Council to support the campaign.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact edgware@london.anglican.org or volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
BEXLEY
The Bexley Fairtrade Steering Group hopes that Bexley Council will reverse its previous opposition and vote to support Bexley’s bid to become a Fairtrade Borough. Our focus is on promoting products with the FAIRTRADE Mark, while also supporting local Kent farmers. Through our encouragement, many shops and cafés throughout the Borough now sell fairly traded goods. Saturday morning sales of Traidcraft goods at Christ Church, Bexleyheath Broadway have been high. Five other churches also sell Traidcraft products. Organisations can borrow materials from Christ Church to promote Fairtrade locally.
To find out more or to get involved please contact hilary.jakeman@googlemail.com
Brent Fairtrade Network was established in 2004 by the Mayor of Brent with the twin purposes of promoting Fairtrade in Brent and working with the Council to gain Brent Fairtrade Borough status. There are about 80 members of the Network who receive updates and plans through the Steering Group, which meets regularly in Brent Town Hall. Activities include stalls at local events and supermarkets, publicity in local newspapers and Council publications. Having narrowly failed to attain Fairtrade Borough status at its first attempt, focus is on increasing the number of schools, faith groups and employers involved in sourcing and promoting Fairtrade. The Network is now working with the University of Westminster to help them gain Fairtrade University status.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact Marion.Hofmann@brent.gov.uk
Hayes, in Bromley, is the home of London’s only dedicated Fairtrade clothing shop: The Cotton Store (a franchise of Gossypium). Its owners, Linda and Tony Little, are working hard to increase Fairtrade activity across the Borough.
The other base of Fairtrade activism locally is Bromley Parish Church, which has been working with Traidcraft to sell Fairtrade products for over 25 years. The Church holds a coffee morning every Saturday with a Fairtrade stall most weeks in the Church Rooms.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact kent_yoga_clothes@yahoo.co.uk or fairtrader@bromleyparishchurch.org
Fairtrade is going from strength to strength in Camden, which has been a Fairtrade Borough now for 6 years. Camden now has two Fairtrade Synagogues and ten Fairtrade Churches, as well as some Fairtrade activity from other faiths. There are now thirteen schools registered to become Fairtrade Schools in Camden. Sign up (contact details below) to receive the group’s new e-newsletter!
Newest Steering Group member, Demissie Tulu, is working on an exciting project to launch a quality organic, Fairtrade, Ethiopian coffee (www.Buna-OromiaCoffee.co.uk). A successful conference was held with coffee co-operative representative Tadesse Meskela, who was featured in the film Black Gold.
If you live or work in Camden please do get in touch with us! Contact camdenfairtrade@googlemail.com, visit the website at www.camden.gov.uk/fairtrade or follow Fairtrade Camden on Twitter, @camdenfairtrade
In October 2007, the City of London’s Square Mile was awarded Fairtrade Status. It is proud to have a committed and active Steering Group – including representatives from the Barbican Centre, Cass Business School and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As a world-leading international financial and business centre, the City of London has an interest in helping businesses that Fairtrade supports play their part in global trade and development – access to markets being a key theme. Recent highlights included a ‘business case for Fairtrade’ seminar and sampling events in the Guildhall. The opening of the One New Change shopping centre will provide new opportunities to engage businesses, office workers and residents.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrade@cityoflondon.gov.uk or visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/fairtrade
Croydon is proud of its status as the first Fairtrade Borough in London. Activities in 2010 included a tea party in Allders, an event in the Whitgift Centre, tea dances, a school fashion show and an exciting video meeting between seven Croydon schools and school students in Ghana. Fairtrade sampling also took place at the Croydon Mela. Planned events for 2011 include a Fairtrade cotton exhibition and bunting display at the Croydon Clocktower. The Group will be providing catering at the Croydon Green Fair. They are also seeking more Croydon schools to become involved with Fairtrade activities.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact rosashea@hotmail.com
From Acton to Southall, support for Fairtrade is growing across Ealing Borough. Ealing Fairtrade Group is eight years old this year, and highlights of 2010 included the Fairtrade Fair in Ealing Broadway Centre, Fairtrade Art Exhibition at the Dominion Centre Southall and the opening of a Fairtrade stall at Acton Market. The Kids Cookery School in Acton introduced Fairtrade ingredients, and Southall Sports Centre held a Fairtrade tasting day. A wonderful Fairtrade cotton tea towel was designed by three pupils at Wolf Fields Primary School. For Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 Ealing is decorating bunting in schools, libraries and as many places as possible. The plan over the coming year is to persuade more shops and cafés to sell and serve Fairtrade, and to extend links with the Borough’s schools.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact Jackie Whitaker info@ealingfairtrade.org.uk, visit www.ealingfairtrade.org.uk or follow us on Twitter: @EalingFairtrade
Enfield was granted Fairtrade status in 2008. The Group’s effective and fun campaigning during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 was recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation, with a runners-up prize for Most Innovative Campaign. That’s helped their finances as well as morale, allowing them to tool up for stalls and displays – such as the ones currently touring Enfield’s libraries. The team is small but effective – and a few more would be nice (hint, hint!). Enfield is about to produce its first printed Fairtrade directory, matching the one that has graced its website.To find out more or to get involved, please contact Bill Linton (bill.linton@blueyonder.co.uk ) or visit our website www.fairtradeenfield.btik.com
Greenwich has been a Fairtrade Borough for five years and its commitment to supporting the initiative has continued to increase. Events like Fairtrade Tea Mornings and markets have become permanent fixtures on the Greenwich calendar. The hugely popular annual Fairtrade Fashion Show also turns heads across the Borough. More schools and local businesses are supporting Fairtrade and a growing number of residents now regularly choose Fairtrade. The issue also enjoys frequent coverage in the Council’s weekly newspaper, Greenwich Time.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact john.fahy@greenwich.gov.uk or mark.onwubuya@greenwich.gov.uk, or visit www.greenwich.gov.uk/fairtrade
Hackney Fairtrade Steering Group has had an influx of new members since summer 2010. Over the summer holidays Hackney Council ran a Fairtrade Detective scheme for school children, which resulted in the prize winner’s family switching to Fairtrade cocoa. A Fairtrade article was featured in the Christmas edition of Hackney Today, the free local newspaper. In 2011 the Group is aiming to successfully renew the Borough’s Fairtrade status.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact ian.rathbone@hackney.gov.uk or call 07890 654 068
With Hammersmith London Business Improvement District, tea tastings were held next to the Farmers’ Market on Lyric Square during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010. Parliamentary candidates were interviewed before the General Election on the issues of Fairtrade and trade justice: the elected MP for Hammersmith is a great ally! Ubuntu Cola sampling took place at two Waitrose stores and was rewarded by donations towards future activities. Several schools have registered for Fairtrade status and more are encouraged to get involved. Melcombe Primary has already achieved Fairtrade status. Fuller’s Brewery has sponsored the printing of a new H&F Fairtrade guide which will be widely distributed.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact Morag or visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/fairtrade
In February 2011, Haringey became the latest borough to join the Fairtrade Borough family! This fantastic achievement demontrates the commitment of residents, businesses, and organisations in the borough to securing a better deal for producers in the developing world.
Haringey’s achievement of Fairtrade status followed an exciting 2010, which included a visit from Douglas Alexander, the then International Development Secretary. Schools arranged assemblies and workshops; extending to a Fairtrade tea party in St Aidan’s Primary School, who recently achieved Fairtrade School status. Local businesses attended a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in Wood Green, whilst Haringey Council environmental champions organised up to twenty Fairtrade coffee mornings. A Fairtrade stall at Haringey’s annual Green Fair in June engaged with thousands of attendees. Regular Fairtrade stalls are held in churches, fairs and community events which complement the expanding availability of Fairtrade goods.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrade.haringey@fairtrade.org.uk, or search on Facebook for ‘Haringey Fairtrade’.
Harrow is working to achieve Fairtrade status this year. A new Councillor Action Group helped re-launch the campaign with the theme “It Takes Two”. A red carpet event at St George’s Shopping Centre on Pancake Day will showcase Fairtrade fashion. Harrow is working with Brent Fairtrade Network to produce enough bunting to link Brent Town Hall & Harrow Civic Centre. Community groups BTWSC & Akoben Awards have commissioned rap artist Kimba to remake the “It Takes Two” song to raise awareness of Fairtrade and encourage change in our shopping decisions.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact jamie.shepherd@harrow.gov.uk
The London Borough of Havering continues to consider becoming a Fairtrade Borough and there is strong support from the community to promote Fairtrade. For more information, contact volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
- Hillingdon continues to work towards Fairtrade Borough status. Brunel University, local schools, churches and synagogues are all involved in raising awareness of Fairtrade. A further push on getting more cafés and outlets stocking Fairtrade goods is planned, but persuading the Council to back Fairtrade is the main goal left to achieve.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
Recent activities in Hounslow to raise the profile of Fairtrade have included ‘Big Brew’ and tea-break events, a Fairtrade-themed Songs of Praise, a celebration of Ghanaian Independence Day, and participation in an event on Muslim women in the 21 century. The Open House Café (at St Pauls’ Parish Centre) is a hub of local Fairtrade activity. In 2011, the Hounslow Fairtrade Steering Group will continue its work engaging with schools across the Borough to promote Fairtrade within the curriculum.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrade@hounslow.gov.uk or visit us on the Web at http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/Fairtrade
Islington gained Fairtrade Borough status in July 2005, and in 2010 celebrated its successfully renewed status! Islington continues to dedicate itself to ensuring the poorest producers receive a fair deal. The Steering Group comprises enthusiastic representatives from the Council, local community groups, businesses and schools, who, along with residents, promote Fairtrade within the Borough. The support of comedian and human rights activist Mark Thomas helped introduce Islington-based Zaytoun and its Fairtrade olive oil and other Palestinian produce to a new audience. 2011 has so far been another busy year of campaigning, with more events in support of local businesses that either supply or work with Fairtrade goods. The Islington Steering Group is looking forward to working with a wider range of stakeholders, including more schools – all schools are encouraged to participate.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrade@islington.gov.uk, or visit www.islington.gov.uk/fairtrade
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
A small campaign group is just forming in Kensington and Chelsea, but it still needs more people to get involved. Initial mapping of outlets shows the Borough has already met the Fairtrade Borough status goal for retail and catering outlets, so the next step is to build up the list of local workplaces, churches, schools and others who are supporting Fairtrade in the Borough, and to work towards a motion to the Council. It is also looking to do joint activities with the Westminster Group.
For more information, please contact fairtradekc@googlemail.com
KINGSTON
2010 saw more activity in Kingston: two sustainability conferences included Fairtrade, and ‘Go Bananas’ Fairtrade all day workshops were held in 10 primary schools, with more to come. Stalls in local stores highlighted Fairtrade items now available, and there was a “Sustainability in Fairtrade” event with Cafédirect and local retailer Food for Thought, as well as tastings of Ubuntu cola in a supermarket and at a YMCA. Fairtrade stalls were present at the Transition Town Kingston launch and at Kingston University’s Green Freshers’ Fair. Kingston’s links with Oldenburg, Germany, continued with two Oldenburg University students conducting a Fairtrade project. 2011 plans include an ethical fashion event at Kingston University.
To find out more or to get involved please contact Jeannette and Doug James 020 8399 6222 dougandnett@yahoo.co.uk , or visit www.kingstonfairtrade.org.uk
Lambeth became London’s second Fairtrade Borough in 2004. The Lambeth Fairtrade Network comprises residents, businesses, organisations, Council officers and Councillors working together to promote Fairtrade. The Network attends many events including the Lambeth Country Show and the Urban Green Fair, as well putting on a range of activities for Fairtrade Fortnight each year. With looming cuts to the Council’s budget the Borough’s Steering Group needs an injection of enthusiasm, so come and add yours!
To find out more or to get involved, please contact sustainability@lambeth.gov.uk
Since being awarded Fairtrade status in March 2005, Lewisham Council and the Steering Group have continued to promote Fairtrade, focusing on local businesses with the aim of increasing the supply, sale and usage of Fairtrade products. The Council publishes an online directory and booklet listing local Fairtrade businesses. Activities are planned for Fairtrade Fortnight and beyond.
To find out more or to get involved please contact: volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
Merton successfully renewed its Fairtrade Borough status in 2010. During Fairtrade Fortnight it took a giant teapot on the road to collect pledges for the Big Swap. The group runs stalls at the local Tesco superstore and at the Tesco community fair. Promoting Fairtrade in schools is a big focus, and one school has even set up a Fairtrade coffee shop! Local businesses are being encouraged to promote Fairtrade options in preparation for the Olympics. The Steering Group have introduced an annual networking event, for neighbouring boroughs to share best practice and to support each other.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrademerton@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.merton.gov.uk/fairtrade
Newham was awarded Fairtrade Borough status in 2008. The campaign is coordinated by the Local Authority & East Potential as well as representatives from local faith groups, businesses and residents. With key community representatives moving away from the Borough, a well-attended Christmas social has been the first step to reinvigorating the Group. The opening of Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre later in 2011 should give new opportunities for activity.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact Alice Van Sertima on 020 3373 1695, alice.van-sertima@newham.gov.uk or visit www.newhamfairtrade.org
Redbridge was awarded Fairtrade status in 2008. A small but dedicated Steering Group raises awareness of Fairtrade at local events, libraries and community group meetings. This year the focus is on supporting action in schools, amongst young people and community groups. The website will further feature and celebrate action taking place in the area. Local residents and groups are invited to join the Redbridge Fairtrade Campaign. Help build momentum in 2011!
To find out more or to get involved, please contact info@fairtraderedbridge.org.uk or visit www.fairtraderedbridge.org.uk
Following a very successful “Mad Hatter’s” tea party and art competition for schools in 2010, Richmond is building on the enthusiasm of youngsters and teachers with a “Fly the Flag” tea party in Fairtrade Fortnight 2011. As well as encouraging schools to participate in the Fairtrade Foundation’s record breaking attempt, Borough schools are invited to enter a competition for the best bunting. The Richmond Fairtrade Group continues to promote the sale of Fairtrade goods through its local directory, and is concentrating on developing links with local businesses.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact enquiries@richmondfairtrade.org.uk, phone Jerry Elloy on 0776 419 6294, or visit www.richmondfairtrade.org.uk
Southwark celebrated the achievement of Fairtrade status in June 2007. The Borough is passionate about Fairtrade, with the Council taking a strong lead. In February 2010 the Council’s in-house café opened, serving Fairtrade beverages and snacks. Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 events included a talk by Paul Chandler, the Chief Executive of Traidcraft, entitled “The Future of Fairtrade”, and a “Big Brew” event. Join in with the 2011 activities!
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrade@southwark.gov.uk or volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk, or visit www.southwark.gov.uk/fairtrade
Sutton Fairtrade Community Group continues to work with churches, schools, the Council and businesses to maintain the profile of Fairtrade locally. During 2011 the website will be developed and promoted as a forum for Fairtrade activities and outlets in Sutton. The website has regular monthly updates which include a monthly “Big Question”. The Group also organises stalls during Fairtrade Fortnight and at the Borough’s Environmental Fayre in August.
To find out more or to get involved please contact: admin@fairtrade.insutton.org
The Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group recently surveyed all 900 caterers in the Borough, in order to determine which retail outlets were selling Fairtrade products and to compile a comprehensive Suppliers Directory for caterers. They have also printed Fairtrade window stickers, so that Fairtrade caterers could actively promote and make Fairtrade more visible on the street. Both the Suppliers Directory and the window sticker design can be supplied to other Fairtrade Boroughs free of charge.
2011 activities include encouraging local schools and universities; building links with supportive local employers to mobilise consumer pressure, and contacting head offices of chain caterers to promote Fairtrade as well as improving the Council’s own procurement policy.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact fairtrade@towerhamlets.gov.uk or halim.abdul@towerhamlets.gov.uk, call 020 7364 2631, or visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/fairtrade
Waltham Forest became a Fairtrade Borough in 2007. The Waltham Forest Fairtrade Campaign Group is supported and financed by the Council and made up of partners from across the Borough. Its campaign this past year has included regular distribution of the London Fairtrade Directory, running street stalls and events in conjunction with community groups, and holding stalls in the main libraries in Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow and Chingford. The Group is concentrating on encouraging more schools and faith groups to obtain Fairtrade status.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact walthamforestfairtrade@hotmail.co.uk, call Brian Madican on 07939 381917, or visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/fairtrade
The Wandsworth Group continues to raise awareness throughout the Borough by attending local events that need a bit of Fairtrade sparkle! These have included running a tombola and stall at summer fairs; chatting to Wandsworth Council staff in their canteen during Fairtrade Fortnight; and providing delicious Fairtrade desserts at a community Love Food Hate Waste cooking event. The Group gave an address at the Harvest Festival in one of the local churches, and once again volunteered at Ben & Jerry’s Festival on Clapham Common in the summer, assisting with the giant inflatable Fairtrade banana jousting! The Group is coordinated through the sustainability networking site ‘Project Dirt’ (www.projectdirt.com), helping to bring together new members.
To find out more or to get involved, please contact Amy Wilson on info@wandsworthfairtrade.org.uk or visit www.wandsworthfairtrade.org.uk
There is significant interest in reigniting a Fairtrade Westminster campaign. The former chair of Fairtrade Yorkshire has moved down to London and seeks to continue his active involvement in Fairtrade by getting things moving in Westminster!
To find out more or to get involved, please contact Ian Adderley on ianadderley@hotmail.com or call 07915 392 605
