Sometimes there’s more to companies than just profit. Take Beacons Creative Wales Ltd for example. They are a new and unique social firm producing a range of wax based products, such as their beautiful candles, whilst providing employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties. Born out of an eleven year day care service provided by Powys County Council, Beacons Creative, with the help of Social Firms Wales, was externalised in June 2009 to become a company limited by guarantee. The Company’s objective is to develop sales, create new products, provide employment opportunities for service users within a safe and caring environment, and transform this day care service into a successful and profitable business.
Beacons Creative products are now being sold all over U.K. To find out more about Beacons Creative see www.beaconscreative.co.uk or visit them at the show on stand B459 right in the heart of our ‘Designed and Made in Britain’ area.
It’s great to see a company like this doing so much for a vulnerable group of people in this country but it’s not just people with learning disabilities that are being helped through commerce, a number of our exhibitors offer a lifeline to people in developing countries through Fair Trade.
One such company is Boo Enterprise based in Devon but trading hand crafted ethical products from Madagascar. Stylish raffia handbags, beach and shopping baskets, as well as beautiful hand woven throws and a unique range of tableware.
They work closely with local communities, social development programs and established charities and aid organizations. They strive to create and maintain close, trusted working relationships with all associated with BOO Enterprise in order to create not just a fair trade and employment opportunity, but a trusted community network of support to help provide opportunities to move out of poverty.
To find out more go to www.booenterprise.com or come and visit the ‘BOO-tique!’ on stand B146. Alternatively, stumble across them as you follow our ‘Naturally Trail’ through the show!
If Fair Trade is what you are particularly interested in then look out for BAFTS on their very own stand BA153 at this years show.
The British Association for Fair Trade shops (BAFTS) Stand BA153 is a network of independent fair trade shops and recognised fair trade importers across the UK. They promote fair trade retailing in the UK, seek to raise the profile of fair trade on the High Street and provide a point of contact and communication for the exchange of ideas amongst their members. They currently have approaching 100 retail members and a similar number of recognised fair trade importers. Three of their members are also exhibiting at the show.
Just Buy UK Ltd (Stand A135) works directly with Kenya artisans to provide the UK market access to a range of high quality beaded wire craft and hand carved sculptures from local Kisii soapstone. For more info go to www.justbuyuk.co.uk
Gringo Imports (Stand A521) is a Fair Trade company who sell a range of ethically sourced beautifully handcrafted goods including Clothing, Accessories and Giftware from Bali, Nepal and India. All made by artisans in the developing world, helping them to make a better life for themselves and their families.www.gringo.uk.com
Nomads Clothing (Stand B515) launches Nomads Boutique of fair trade party dresses, holiday wear and organic cotton separates. Handmade jewellery and bags. Colourful scarves and sarongs and men’s cotton shirts. To see more go to www.nomadsclothing.co.uk
All three of these companies can be found, with many more, along our ‘Naturally Trail’. Look out for the logo!
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