The April meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Board agreed to establish a formal Steering Group to progress the action required to achieve Fairtrade status for West Dunbartonshire.
The Steering Group has taken a number of actions to develop the Fairtrade approach including holding an event in Balloch to bring together suppliers of Fairtrade products with local businesses. This report updates the Board on progress.
Meet the Suppliers Event
The day was a success in regard to public relations and networking between suppliers, but unfortunately only a small number of local businesses attended the event. One particular success was for Clydebank College to meet suppliers, most particularly in regard to coffee supply. Additionally Fayretrade made a particularly useful link with Café Ecosse.
The suppliers felt that the day was a success for them, and indicated that they would be keen to be involved in any similar events held in the future.
It was agreed at the steering group meeting that it will be useful for future events to carry out additional marketing to generate interest. An element of this will be to distribute a questionnaire in advance to identify businesses in West Dunbartonshire that supply Fairtrade produce, as well as when would be appropriate times for any future events, to encourage businesses who would like to sell Fairtrade goods to attend.
Fairtrade for Balloch Status
It has been established that there are enough businesses in the Balloch area selling Fairtrade goods to apply for Fairtrade status. The businesses are Lomond Organics in Jamestown, The Co-op and Jenners coffee shop.
View how WDC initially got involved with Fairtrade
View the Minutes of the Steering Group - to see what the progress has been
View a list of links to suppliers of Fairtrade products
Or click here to access the FAIRTRADE website.
For further information about Fairtrade contact the Policy Unit on 01389 737231 or Email: policy.unit@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
