Traidcraft Bulletin | October 2018 by traidcraftshop

Bulletin

TRAIDCRAFT IN C O N S U LT A T I O N

CONGRATULATIONS TO SASHA T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K

FESTIVE SELLING CRITICAL

Welcome

TO OCTOBER’S BULLETIN

Dear Friends,

It’s been a complete joy to meet up with old friends and new at the roadshows during September. We shared some difficult news about Traidcraft at the roadshows and there has been a serious update during September which you should have received, but if not please read page 14 of this issue now! All I’ll add here is that it is CRITICAL that we make a success of this season, and thank you for all you are doing to help us. Christmas is coming! We have lots of beautiful Christmas crafts and nibbles for you to sell on your stalls and we know you need catalogues. In previous years we’ve launched one catalogue in August containing everything you need for Autumn and Christmas. This year we had to do things a little differently, and we recognise this has made things difficult for many of you. We are truly sorry. Change of plan. Following the proposal to cease trading operations at the end of the year, the Resellers’ Guides, which contains all of this season’s products including both Autumn and Christmas, are now FREE to order on code 35392. To summarise please use your Resellers’ Guide for selling the Christmas range. Order as many as you need. Usual p&p applies, so add them to a regular order to avoid being charged. The Christmas catalogue 35466 FREE will be available to order from the middle of October. Due to the proposal to cease trading we only have 5000 Christmas catalogues, these are free but please be mindful that these need to be shared amongst you. I encourage you to use the Resellers’ guides as we have plenty. UK Chocolate Week 9-15th October. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote all of Traidcraft’s chocolate products. To help you, your point of sale poster this month features Eat Your Hat chocolate bars. There’s also a discount on the 90g Divine chocolate bars this month, see page 9. Not forgetting crafts, we hope you enjoy our feature on Sasha this month, and we’ve listed their products in this season’s collection on page 11.

Happy fair trading!

Matt

Matt Oliver, Traidcraft Community Sales Manager 2

Roopa Mehta, CEO of Sasha Exports in Kolkata.

Sasha is 40!

Traidcraft received a special visitor to Gateshead last month - Roopa Mehta, CEO of Sasha in Kolkata. While updating us on her organisation’s work with artisans in the Indian handicraft industry she reminded us of Sasha’s big celebration coming up later this year, so we took the chance to find out more… Firstly, for those who don’t already know, over the years Traidcraft has bought and sold many beautiful handicrafts from Sasha - scarves, stoles, handbags, accessories, home textiles and recycled sari decorations, to name a few. As for Roopa, she co-founded and leads Sasha, is a member of the WFTO Board and a former President of Fairtrade India. TELL US ABOUT SASHA

“Sasha’s commitment for Fair Trade has been its biggest driver.”

In the 1970s there were large numbers of displaced people coming into Kolkata, people migrating from the villages and an influx of Bangladeshi refugees. There were lots of changes going on, the Indian government was changing, and organisations like Fabindia were springing up. Crafts persons were being marginalised by the growth of cheaper machine-made goods. In 1978 Subhashini Kohli (whom Roopa affectionately calls ‘Shabbi’) set up Sarba Shanti

Ayog (SSA) as a not-for-profit organisation with a vision to impact the lives of the marginalised and disadvantaged producers, mainly from West Bengal, Orissa and other states of eastern India. Sasha is now a family of organisations including Sasha Exports (whom Traidcraft buys from), SSA the development arm which delivers wider ‘hand-holding’ to producer organisations - rather like the relationship between Traidcraft plc and Traidcraft Exchange - and SSTA which is the umbrella organisation. Roopa tells us that “intervention is often needed to give producer groups the opportunity to become sustainable businesses” so Sasha’s vision was to create prosperity through empowering and providing livelihood opportunities for Indian craft groups and marginalised communities - Roopa believes “it is important that development happens within the communities”. Sasha has tended to work mostly with women “not by design, but because the maximum success has been with women because women tend to be more responsive to change.” The work Sasha provides also creates opportunities for the children of the artisans “in terms of education and a strong understanding of essential business activities, this has happened within a few groups.” Sasha has played a critical role in interactions between producer and consumer. Since opening a shop in Kolkata in 1981, sales within the domestic Indian market have grown from 1% to 25% of total turnover and that trend is continuing. Roopa estimates that the wider organisation affects two to two and half thousand beneficiaries across 55-60 producer groups. In addition, the development organisation (SSA) has recently received funding from the World Bank for a project in the papier-mâché industry in Kashmir which could benefit a further 35,000 people.

Roopa feels that the greatest challenges artisans face are; getting organised into a unit, understanding all aspects of business, especially the concept of quality control and timely deliveries, and getting all its members fully engaged. Sasha helps the groups to build capacity so that they can eventually run on their own. How did you get involved in Fair Trade and Sasha? Roopa grew up in Delhi and after doing an MBA in Delhi she became a management trainee for a large chain of hotels. After moving to Mumbai she realised that the hotel business was “not for me” and went to work for a retail store that focussed on high-end clothing. There she was introduced to traditional printing techniques and to design. After opening two stores in Mumbai she moved to Kolkata and became “ever more involved in the manufacturing process, responsible for design, production and distribution.” She found the intersection between the craft sector and business very interesting, she loved it! She first met Shabbi on a Social Communication course they both attended. Shabbi wanted Roopa to join Sasha straight away, but at the time Roopa enjoyed her own job too much and resisted. However, she gradually became drawn in, first by joining the Board with a particular focus on “contemporising traditional skills”. Fair Trade, or ‘Alternative Trade’ as it was then called, resonated with her own “training, skills and observations”. Her growing exposure to artisans made her feel uncomfortable with the concept of employers expecting her to completely invest herself in their businesses. She started managing Shabbi’s shop on a part-time basis, which then became full-time for 4-5 years, and finally, she chose to commit to Sasha. Shabbi always had ultimate responsibility, while Roopa focussed on the domestic market, but when Shabbi died in 3

December 2003, Roopa took it all on, “with lots of support” she adds. Since then she has re-organised and stream-lined the business, doubling its turnover in the first five years. “The vision and mission remain the same, but internal efficiencies have improved, and Sasha has been able to respond to change, such as computerisation.” Roopa doesn’t get to visit too many producer groups herself these days, but she continues to be hugely proud of “the work that’s done to retain traditional kantha and embroidery skills, and with recycled materials.” In 1989 Roopa helped establish what was IFAT (now WFTO, the World Fair Trade Organisation) and Sasha was also one of the founders of The Fair Trade Forum India. Roopa says Traidcraft has supported Sasha since the beginning, and the relationship has continued through ups and downs within both organisations. The relationship is still strong but Roopa is worried about Traidcraft, and she hopes our Autumn 2018 collection sells well. What does the future hold for Sasha? More recently Sasha has been forced to examine its own business model following the ‘big shocks’ of losing Gepa and Caritas as top customers last year. Sasha is currently undergoing development of a Strategic Plan for 2019-2022 and statements on the future depend on the outcome of that process. “Of course, there will be many challenges ahead, but Fair Trade has come through many challenges already.” Climate change is affecting Sasha indirectly. Statutory obligations and a general consciousness of the issues have led to “more use of safe, vegetable and organic dyes and natural materials. Environmental considerations impact on decisions regarding effluent and water treatment plants, forestation and smokeless fuels, and Sasha is looking to use more solar energy.” Sasha has a strong focus on the traditional ways of doing things and with so many products that are handmade Sasha invests in tools to reduce tedium. Is poverty declining in India? Pockets of poverty continue but economic growth in urban areas is widening accessibility even to the villages. “More villages now have electricity, roads and connectivity, and people are living better today. Empowerment of women is improving, women have fought for independence, they are participating and setting the tone. Caste-ism is in decline as development takes over.” 4

A proud maker of the recycled sari decorations.

But farmers are very vulnerable which is worrying when food security is so important. They feel compelled to take out loans to compete with GMO and large-scale farmers. Government subsidies tend to be focused on industry rather than farming and there is not enough opposition. “This is why there must be checks and balances.” Roopa thinks change will happen “We have a large thinking population and people are willing to speak out. India is not to be trifled with!” 40th Birthday Celebrations “After 40 years it’s still all about people.” Relationships are critical to Sasha and Roopa likes to view it as “a relationship of equals, not vertical.” Sasha will be celebrating the present and the future. 16th-18th November - Producers Workshops for 60-70 producers on a theme of Design and Creativity. Leaders will include Traidcraft’s very own design consultant, Helen Lockie. 19th-20th November - Exhibition - “Four Decades of Sasha” Events will include a VIP dinner and launch of a new booked called “The Sasha Story”, followed by seminars on Fair & Sustainable Trade, Living Craft & Textile Traditions and rounded off with a fashion show. 21st November - Staff A picnic for 60-65 staff by the river after work with music. Happy Birthday Sasha! Have a look at our Sasha collection this autumn on page 11.

Roadshow Diary Dates BELFAST Tue 2 October (4pm-9.30pm) Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church, 374-378 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 3HX

TROON Thu 4 October (4pm-9.30pm) St Meddan’s Church, Church Street, Troon, KA10 6HT

EVENING PROGRAMME Approx 6.30pm: Matt’s presentation. Includes Traidcraft’s vision for the coming months and short videos.

 Enjoy a cuppa

Approx 7.30pm: Return to browsing and ordering until doors close.

 Taste new foods

Receive an extra 10% discount on craft orders placed at the event. There will be a limited selection of bargains to order. Come for part or all of the evening.

 See, touch and browse the new autumn collection  Mingle with other people passionate about Fair Trade

See You There! 5

The Everyday Fair Trader D O I N G N OT S O E V E RY DAY T H I N G S

This month, Lesley Alsopp from Leeds tells us all about her journeys around the UK, and how she got to where she is today. “It’s a very dangerous thing to go to a meeting with a vague feeling that you ought to be doing something”. That’s been the intro to my standard talk for years. This meeting was Mother’s Union in Pontypool 34 years ago. I was the branch baby (with baby, and toddler in tow) but within weeks I was borrowing stock from fifteen miles away and running my first church stall. Oh, and I couldn’t drive at that point. Within a year I realised that I had to register and do this myself, (and learn to drive) and also that church alone wasn’t going to keep me going. The local Christian Aid Committee advanced me an interest-free loan for stock. A community accustomed to Tupperware and Pippa Dee parties meant that I began selling party-plan evenings in people’s homes (hosts rarely accepted the offer of a discounted purchase). I was just starting to get catalogues into the local femaledominated factories when my husband’s job moved us suddenly to Kent. I sold my accumulated craft stock (silly, but necessary to move) and started again in a very different set-up. Fair Traders much closer together, a church life split between parish and cathedral. More stalls, and the chance of a short-let shop (the first of three). An attempted raid in the first proved to be fabulous publicity! From having to explain Fair Trade to almost everyone who stepped

through the door to later seeing it take its first tentative steps into the mainstream was amazing. I developed contacts with a number of other churches, and supply or sale-or-return began to snowball. I began giving talks, got onto the WI circuit, preached several places (most memorably at morning service in Rochester cathedral on my 25th-Traidcraft-anniversary). The cathedral was the only place I’ve ever had a team of helpers, apart from the shops. I spent ten years driving a school bus because it left days free for Traidcraft - and gave me a chance to sit down! We moved to a tiny house, and my packing skills became legendary. County Show stalls in a Fiat Panda several times were probably among my prouder moments! ‘All I want for Christmas is my house back’ became my autumn mantra. Cards make excellent decorations.... Retirement for my long-suffering husband brought another move, to Devon. And Traidcraft came along too. I dropped into a gap between Torbay and Plymouth Key Contacts, picked up business from both, and found myself doing County Shows again, in May rather than

One of my many stalls.

July. Church stalls and small events kept my hand in, and I was proud to maintain high seller status, given a year’s grace. Family matters necessitated a further move, this time to Leeds. Stock came with me, and I’ve done a few stalls, but events are conspiring to say that the time is fast approaching to retire myself. I little realised what I was starting nearly thirty-four years ago. To those just beginning, I say make contact with an established local Fair Trader, borrow stock, share ordering if possible, pick their brains. Get height into your displays. Be brave. Requests for ‘half-a-dozen packs of Christmas cards’ were met with a full stand, and amazement when they sold £60-70 worth. Always have some crafts (things that you can use/gift if unsold) as seeing is much better than pictures. And remember – the producers are always the driver. A fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, whoever and wherever you are.

All I want for Christmas is my house back.

Resellers’ Guide Amends We have spotted a few product errors in the Resellers’ Guide since publishing it. We apologise, and the corrections are listed below: Page 14 – The Divine Dark Chocolate Brazil Nuts (130g) are in fact milk chocolate. We have given this product new codes because of potential allergens: Divine Milk Chocolate Brazil Nuts 38218 Single (130g) £5 43572 Case (12x130g) £54 Page 17 – The first product listed in the Organic Hamper (64032) is incorrect. It should be Fish4Ever Mackerel in Organic Sunflower Oil (120g).

Page 49 – The images of the Occasions Pack (Mixed) (52710) are incorrect. See correct image below or on web.

Page 71 – CASE description of Traidcraft Milk Chocolate Coated Raisins (41150) should read ‘Case (12x150g)’ Page 78 – CASE description of Traidcraft Organic Pitted Dates (47730) should be ‘Case (6x250g)’ Page 78 – Price of CASE of Traidcraft Sultanas (46660) should read £18.60 Page 81 – Product description of Fish4Ever Mackerel Fillets in Organic Sunflower Oil (69588) should read sunflower oil, not olive oil. Lesley Alsopp’s Fair Trader days in 1991.

Page 82 – Price of CASE of BioD Toilet Cleaner (60996) should read £26.40. 7

Food Bites Kilombero Long Grain Rice “Changing Lives one bag at a time.” Kilombero rice is grown by small holder farmers in Malawi, and imported by JTS (embed link https://www.jts.co.uk) of Scotland. There are strong links between Scotland and Malawi going back hundreds of years. The rich alluvial soils of Northern Malawi and traditional farming methods that are kind to the environment ensure a superior aromatic rice. Over 85% of Malawi’s population depends on subsistence agriculture. Buying their rice at a fair and stable price provides an income that is reinvested in their farms, providing better food security and the means to support and pay for their children’s education. Why not take the 90kg Rice Challenge?

Honey Honey

Many of you at the roadshows loved tasting the new honeys, but asked us to tell you more about the changes to our honey range…

› We have discontinued the two glass jars of Chilean honey; Sweet Justice (the set honey with the blue label) and the Wild Blossom honey (the clear honey with the pink label). This is because we are no longer buying honey in bulk and therefore have had to change the supply chain.

› The new ‘Chilean Nectar’ honey is the same honey as Sweet Justice but it has a new name and is in a larger jar. This is honey from Apicoop in Chile.

› The ‘Mexican Blossom’ honeys are a new addition. These honeys are organic and have a stronger taste than the Chilean Nectar. They come in both a clear (pink label) and set (orange label) format.

› For customers who will miss the Wild Blossom

honey, if they like the taste, then try and persuade them to buy the new ‘Chilean Nectar’. If they like the fact that it is clear and runny, then they may wish to try our new Mexican Organic Blossom Honey.

› The new range will be in stock later this month. Organic Kilombero White Rice Single 1kg 56150 £3.50 Case (12 x 1kg) 54548 £37.80

Kilombero Brown Rice Single 1kg 58588 £3.50 Case (12 x 1kg) 57330 £37.80

Festive Nibbles

Organic

Yoghurt Coated Raisins

Now is the time to stock up your stalls with Christmas goodies. There are so many to choose from (page 14-15 of the Resellers’ Guide). There’s something for everyone, from our new delicious Traidcraft Chocolate Chunk and Sour Cherry Shortbread to Divine Milk Chocolate coins. Why not try some taste-testing on your stall?

With the arrival of the Belgian chocolate coated raisins many of you have asked when are the yoghurt coated raisins coming in? Sadly, they’re not. We have been unable to find a potential manufacturer for the Fair Trade yoghurt coating, and we do not want to release them as non Fair Trade.

Muscovado White Chocolate Update

World Food Day

Sadly due to the proposal to cease trading the white chocolate will not be progressing to production, this product will unfortunately not be available.

Mark World Food Day on Tuesday 16th October with a display of Fair Trade foods. The theme this year is #zerohunger.

Grocery Offers TRAIDCRAFT COOKIES (180G) 2 0 % O F F 1 2 - 2 2 ND O C T O B E R

National Nut Day 22nd Oct

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies 67952 Case (8) WAS £14.40 NOW £11.52 Stem Ginger Cookies 54156 Case (8) WAS £14.40 NOW £11.52 Chewy Fruit & Oat Cookies 43016 Case (8) WAS £14.40 NOW £11.52

SEASONAL FOODS 2 0 % O F F 1 2 - 2 9 TH O C T O B E R Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Crisp 46400 Single WAS £2.65 NOW £2.12 67952 Case (15) WAS £35.25 NOW £28.20 Dark Chocolate with Cranberries & Hazelnuts 24950 Single WAS £2.65 NOW £2.12 28878 Case (15) WAS £35.25 NOW £28.20

GIFT SET 2 0 % O F F 1 S T- 3 1 s t O C T O B E R Oryx Flavoured Salt Gift Set 35882 Single WAS £17.95 NOW £12.56

L I B E R AT I O N N U TS 2 0 % O F F 1 2 - 2 8 TH O C T O B E R Chilli & Lime Cashews, Peanuts & Corn (90g) 41002 Single WAS £1.80 NOW £1.44 26938 Case (10) WAS £16 NOW £12.80 Chilli & Lime Cashews, Peanuts & Corn (40g) 26492 Single WAS £0.95 NOW £0.76 31028 Case (24) WAS £20.40 NOW £16.32 Salted Cashews & Peanuts (90g) 58260 Single WAS £1.80 NOW £1.44 43726 Case (10) WAS £16 NOW £12.80 Salted Cashews & Peanuts (40g) 31894 Single WAS £0.95 NOW £0.76 31432 Case (24) WAS £20.40 NOW £16.32

Available while stock lasts. Usual discounts apply.

DIVINE THINS 2 0 % O F F 1 2 TH- 2 9 TH O C T O B E R Single (200g) WAS £4.35 NOW £3.48 Case (12 x 200g) WAS £46.80 NOW £37.44 Divine Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Thins 32948 Single 28560 Case Divine Dark Chocolate Mint Thins 46198 Single 34668 Case Divine Dark Chocolate Ginger Thins 61086 Single 40658 Case

D I V I N E TA S T I N G S E T 2 0 % O F F 1 2 TH- 2 9 TH O C T O B E R Divine Chocolate Tasting Set (180g) 51940 WAS £6 NOW £4.80

CAFÉDIRECT FREEZE DRIED COFFEE 1 0 % O F F 5 - 2 1 ST O C T O B E R 100g Jars 25706 Single WAS £4.80 NOW £4.32 37800 Case (6) WAS £25.80 NOW £23.22 500g Tubs 24682 Single WAS £22.50 NOW £20.25 65404 Case (6) WAS £121.80 NOW £109.62 9

Short Shelf Life Bargains

DIVINE THINS B B 3 1 ST O C T 1 8

Z AY T O U N Z A’ATA R B B 1 st D E C 1 8

Divine Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Thins 32948 Single (200g) WAS £4.35 NOW £3.48 28560 Case (12 x 200g) WAS £46.80 NOW £37.44

Zaytoun Za’atar Herb Mix 33324 Single (80g) WAS £3.90 NOW £2.34 54996 Case (6 x 80g) WAS £21 NOW £12.60

TRAIDCRAFT C H O C O L AT E B B 3 0 TH N O V 1 8

GEOSTICKS B B 1 8 TH N O V 1 8

Traidcraft Organic Milk Chocolate with Praline 52648 Single (100g) WAS £2.65 NOW £1.50 35444 Case (10 x 100g) WAS £23.50 NOW £15.00

Sweet Chilli GEOSTICKS 34846 Case (24x22g)

WAS £21.60 NOW £17.28

Peppery GEOSTICKS 52268 Case (24x22g) Herby GEOSTICKS 35384 Case (24x22g)

Our Favourite Christmas Cards Printed Cards

1. Christmas Silhouettes (20) 32938 £4.95

4. Away in A Manger (10) 56024 £3.95 10

FROM THE UK

2. The Holy Infant is Born (10) 59876 £4.50

5. Worship The King (10) 64726 £3.95

3. A Starry Night (20) 46596 £4.95

6. Journey To Bethlehem (10) 44062 £3.95

7. Holy Night (10) 25648 £3.95

Handmade Cards FROM SWAJAN IN BANGLADESH

8. Embroidered Nativity Cards (2) 69704 £7.00

10. Robin Brooch Card 52810 £3.00

9. Snowy Forest Cards (2) 42940 £7.00

11. Woodland Twinkle Card 35772 £3.00

12. Sequin Pudding Brooch Card 35722 £3.00

Handmade Cards F R O M S A L AY I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

13. Floral Christmas Cards (2) 59276 £7.00

16. Finger Print Nativity Card 43614 £1.40

14. Robin Sequin Card 44618 £2.00

17. Finger Print Reindeer Card 4358 £1.99

15. Angel Decoration Gift Card 44354 £4.50

18. Little Star of Bethlehem Cards (2) 42848 £4.00

Supporting Sasha

Kalamkari Printed Silk Bedspread 60538 £180 Resellers’ Guide pg 38

Jingle Bell Reindeer Decoration 69964 £6 Resellers’ Guide pg 10 Block Print Abstract Geometric Rug 34220 £125 Resellers’ Guide 38 Leafy Crewel Work Cushion Cover 38016 £38Resellers’ Guide pg 39

Recycled Sari Wreath 32038 £15 Resellers’ Guide pg 12

68048

Jolly Sari Ball Garland 68048 £14 Resellers’ Guide pg 12

Recycled Sari Decorations (6) 51472 £12 Resellers’ Guide pg 11

Diamond Crewel Work Cushion Cover 59740 £38 Resellers’ Guide pg 39

Wooden Beard Comb and Cover 45454 £9 Resellers’ Guide pg 46

Acacia Wood Bowl & Spoon 23946 £27 Resellers’ Guide pg 31

Zig-Zag Crewel Work Cushion Cover 35526 £38 Resellers’ Guide pg 39 Pear Pin Cushion 32346 £4.95 Resellers’ Guide pg 46 Chestnut Jawaja Bag 66290 £125 Resellers’ Guide pg 56 12

Snowball Pom Pom Garland 41090 £11 Resellers’ Guide pg 12

One World Week

Congratulations to OWW celebrating their 40th birthday this year! One World Week will be 21 28 October 2018 and the theme is “The World is Changing – How about us?” Events will be exploring what changes we can make to move towards a world in which we can all thrive within the life-supporting systems of our common home. Well done to all our Fair Traders who will be involved.

Stir Up Sunday

Stir Up Sunday is an ancient tradition, a day for making Christmas cakes, pudding and mincemeat before Advent starts, allowing all those lovely flavours to mature. This year it falls on Sunday 25th November, giving you plenty of time to stock up and prepare. The name doesn’t just come from the concept of stirring the bowls of ingredients, but also from the wording of the church ‘collect’ prayer for the day which says “Stir up, we beseech thee O Lord”. Nowadays many people use the day to get in the festive mood, having a glass of mulled wine, putting the Christmas playlist on, and enjoying a baking day in the kitchen. Make sure the bakers in your community have all the Fair Trade ingredients they need: Traidcraft Traditional Mixed Dried Fruit (500g) 50940 Single £3.80 50304 Case (6) £20.40

Robert ’s Ride

In the March edition of Bulletin we featured a Fair Trader called Robert Cleave who was about to cycle around the world to raise £18,000 for Traidcraft Exchange. Matt was there to see him off in April and during the course of first roadshow tour we received the wonderful news that Robert had reached the 5000 mile mark and had already raised half his target of £18k! You can see a video of him reaching this milestone on his website at www.robertsride18000.com Well done Robert, and thank you! Please do keep supporting Robert as he continues his journey.

(Raisins, Sultanas, Dates and Nuts might also be worth stocking, and don’t forget Tea for soaking the fruit) Traidcraft Dark Muscovado Sugar (500g) 25620 Single £1.65 62342 Case (6) £8.70 You’ll need plenty of white, demerara, golden, raw and light soft brown sugars too. 13

Difficult News

PROPOSAL TO CEASE CURRENT TRADING O P E R AT I O N S O N 3 1 ST D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 We are sorry to have to share some unpleasant news with you. Traidcraft plc’s recent trading has been poor, and despite enormous efforts by staff, management and Fair Traders over the last few years to reverse the company’s performance we have not yet succeeded. Traidcraft plc’s assets remain considerably greater than its liabilities, and while this remains the case the Board of Directors believe it is prudent to close our current loss-making trading operations. Traidcraft plc’s mission to put the principles of fair trade into commercial practice is not, in any sense, fulfilled but we appreciate that it is time to consider new approaches. Traidcraft plc has entered a period of consultation with staff, as all roles (except that of CEO) would end under the Plc’s proposals to cease its current trading operations on 31st December 2018. No final decisions have been taken nor will they be until this consultation period is completed. We are very much aware of the impact that this will have on our producer friends. Over the years we have built up personal and trusting relationships with many organisations and we deeply regret that these will be coming to an end. We are communicating with all our partners to see if we can help them transfer their business to other organisations. Traidcraft plc will continue to trade as usual through the autumn and to the end of 2018. We are proud that our final autumn craft collection is one of the best we have produced. Artisans throughout the world have contributed to the range and we have placed great focus on quality and design. We look forward to working with all our supporters right through the season, and we would like to invite our customers to help us end our current trading operations with our best season ever. All products can be purchased online at www.traidcraftshop.co.uk. This proposal will, of course, be met with great sadness by many supporters, shareholders and friends. We invite any stakeholders who wish to contribute to the thinking about our future mission to send their thoughts to lovetraidcraft@traidcraft.co.uk. Many supporters have already offered encouragement, support and offers of investment in any new model. We are immensely grateful for this feedback and we wish to capture all of it. It is unusual for a company to consult publicly with its supporters, but Traidcraft plc is not a normal company: we embody a mission shared by thousands. Although we believe our current model is not sustainable, we remain passionate about fair trade and are considering other models for the future that will help us continue making the case for trade that is just. Traidcraft Exchange, our sister charity, is not directly affected by these developments. Traidcraft Exchange continues to work with farmers, workers and artisans in Africa and South Asia to help them get a better deal from trade, and to lobby and campaign in the UK for better trade rules. It’s the support of Fair Traders – donating their surpluses, running Big Brews, handing out campaign postcards and much more – that helps Traidcraft Exchange speak out against injustice in trade so effectively. We see Traidcraft Exchange’s work as an integral part of our mission, and we thank all our supporters and donors for their continuing support of both Traidcraft plc and Traidcraft Exchange. We will continue to keep you informed throughout the coming months and hope that you will continue to support us as we progress our plans. 14