Fairtrade event to be hosted by University

The event, to be held on Saturday 2 November, is an opportunity for Fairtrade campaigners and delegates representing towns and cities across the region to come together to discuss how Fairtrade can be promoted through local action.

Delegates from Birmingham, Hereford, Shropshire, Staffordshire and many others will be at the conference, which will be opened by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, alongside Dennis Turner - The Lord Bilston and Chair of the Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership.

Speaking about the event, Jon Elsmore, the University of Wolverhampton’s Dean of Students, said: “We are delighted to be able to host the West Midlands Regional Fairtrade Forum as a Fairtrade University. 

“Our commitment to Fairtrade is one of our core values and we are proud to be active in support of the Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership”.

The University of Wolverhampton achieved Fairtrade status in 2008 and has received national awards for its work and support towards the cause.

It was also awarded “First Class” honours in the People and Planet Green League 2013 for its ethical and environmental performance.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, said: “We are proud to be a Fairtrade City. 

“In 2014 we will be celebrating ten years of Fairtrade City Status, and the forum represents a great opportunity to reflect our shared values and on-going commitment to this important scheme”.

The Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profit organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products in the UK in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards.

The Foundation was established in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, the World Development Movement, and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.

More information about Fairtrade.

ENDS

For more information please contact Patrick Campbell in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322448

Date Issued: Friday 25 October 2013