Firms to join up for Fairtrade contest

Renfrewshire businesses are being asked to show who is the fairest of them all as part of a special contest.

The council is running a Renfrewshire Fairtrade Business of the Year contest as part of the national Fairtrade Fortnight event, which runs from February 25 to March 11.

fairtradeBusinesses will be invited to demonstrate their Fairtrade credentials by showcasing their commitment to the scheme, which ensures producers in the developing world are given a fair price for their goods.

The judging panel will include Councillors Mark Macmillan and Brian Lawson, Convener and Deputy Convener of Renfrewshire’s Fairtrade Steering Group, plus representatives of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

The winner will be asked to provide evidence of their commitment to Fairtrade, through their use and supply of the scheme’s products to customers, and in how they conduct their daily internal operations.

Councillor Macmillan said: “This competition is a great way of showcasing some of the work carried out by local businesses to promote the Fairtrade cause.

“Any Fairtrade products which are sold are helping to improve the lives of people on the other side of the planet.

“The more local businesses which make these products available, the greater the scope for residents to buy them.”

The Chamber of Commerce is distributing application forms (which can be completed online) among its members. They will also be made available at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ftbusiness2013

The closing date for entries is Monday March 11.

Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual event run by the Fairtrade Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of the scheme.

A series of events are taking place around Renfrewshire, co-ordinated by the area’s Fairtrade Steering Group, which contains representatives from the council, businesses, the education sector and other local groups.

For more info on the national campaign, visit www.fairtrade.org

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X