Seeking new Trustees for our Board
Harrogate Fair Trade Shop
About usWe are a small fair trade shop, right in the heart of Harrogate, which has been trading for over 30 years and been a charity for seven. Despite our small premises we make the most of the space we have, selling an incredible range of products from around the world.The shop is in the former porch of St Peter’s Church and our storeroom and office is half a mile away in Community House. We have two part time paid employees and a team of volunteers.During lockdown an online shop was created to expand our customer reach and cater to changing shopping patterns.The shop has seen a steady year on year growth in sales and we are keen to keep on growing. We would love to be able to sell a wider range of products, put on more events and support more people with special needs to volunteer. However, our current small premises and remote storeroom are a constraint on our ambitions. We would love to expand our premises but the current economic situation, coming so soon after the pandemic, has made us reflect upon our position and review our options.
What is Fair Trade?Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers, especially in the global South.Our aim is to assist in the alleviation of poverty through trade, by selling and promoting fair trade products. The majority of our products are sourced from a group of around 30 UK-based organisations who work with producers worldwide, most of whom are members of BAFTS, the British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers, or are affiliated to the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation)
How you can help usIn order to help us plan for the future in uncertain times we would like to increase the skill-mix of our Board of Trustees. Our business was founded by people with a passion for alleviating poverty and as such the Board of Trustees has, over the years, largely consisted of volunteer supporters. Whilst they have shown a great deal of love and enthusiasm for our cause we realise this is not enough to steer us through the challenges ahead. Our current Board consists of 6 members and we are looking to expand our skill base, with a focus on experience in retail, marketing, fundraising and business strategy skills. An interest in Fair Trade would be a bonus but is not essential.We meet bimonthly in Harrogate and occasionally ad hoc if the need arises.If this sounds like the sort of challenge you would enjoy contact us atShop@harrogatefairtrade.org.ukOur website is harrogatefairtradeshop.co.ukHelp us to put people before profit.
