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The Fairtrade Town Campaign New Mills gained Fairtrade Town Status on 16th September 2006
 Fairtrade Towns is an exciting project to help promote the sale and use of fair trade goods. It ties in well with other efforts to boost local shops, businesses and community involvement.
To qualify as a Fairtrade Town there must be:
- a certain number of shops and businesses supplying fair trade products;
- a number of workplaces supplying fair trade goods to their staff;
- a publicity campaign.
There are now over 140 Fairtrade Towns in the UK. New Mills became the first in the High Peak to gain Fairtrade Town Status in September 2006.
 What is fair trade?
The producers of fair trade goods have been paid a fair price that guarantees that they will cover their costs, and have some left over to invest for the future. They have better working conditions, are able to take more care of the environment, and often produce a better quality product as a result. Buying fair trade products is one of the ways in which we can make a positive contribution to making poverty history.
 The easiest way to identify fair trade products is to look for the Fairtrade mark, or to shop at outlets certified by the British Association for Fair Trade Shops. There are also many other products that trade under similar conditions. You can find out lots more on the Fairtrade Foundation website at www.fairtrade.org.uk. In the UK there are over 1,000 different products carrying the Fairtrade Mark, from tea and coffee to flowers and footballs. Many are available in local shops and supermarkets. Market sales are growing rapidly.
Progress so far…
The Town Council has passed a resolution to support the campaign, and now uses fair trade tea and coffee in its offices. A Steering Group, made up of members of the Town Council, local businesses, residents, and pupils and staff of New Mills School, is working hard to oversee and promote the campaign.
 Over the past year many local community groups, workplaces and schools have been contacted and told about Fairtrade, and helped to get involved by buying fair trade products where possible. Local businesses have also been approached, to try to ensure that more fair trade products are available for people to buy in shops and cafes. Currently Fairtrade suppliers in New Mills include: The Organic Shop, United Co-op, Co-op Pioneer, Marie Brown Design and Oxfam.
The profile of Fairtrade has also been raised through posters, media coverage and events such as Fairtrade fortnight (26th February – 11th March), the New Mills Parade and Fete and the One World Festival. Pupil’s from New Mills Secondary School helped the steering group at the events by conducting a survey to find out what local people think about Fairtrade and how and why they choose to support it. The results of the surveys will be used to help focus on areas that local people feel are important and will also be used to encourage other local businesses not yet involved to sell Fairtrade products.
New Mills was declared a Fairtrade Town in September 2006, but the campaign has not stopped there. We need to ensure greater participation in the scheme; that we keep up with the ever growing list of fair trade products, and make sure new businesses and customers know about fair trade.
How to participate
 As a customer, you can help by buying Fairtrade products for your family, workplace and any clubs or groups you belong to. Tell your friends about the high quality of Fairtrade goods, how they can make poverty history, and of the Fairtrade Town campaign.
If you own or work in a business, please see whether you could use or supply Fairtrade products.
You can buy fair trade goods at the following shops in New Mills:
- The Organic Shop, Market Street
- Oxfam, Union Road
- Marie Brown Design, 12 High Street
- The Coop Late Store, Torr Top
- The Coop Pioneer, Albion Road
If you do make the switch to fair trade, please tell us. This allows us to monitor the success of the campaign. You can also get in touch for further details or information.
Fairtrade New Mills needs you!
If you would like to volunteer to help at future events or would be interested in joining the Fairtrade Steering Group please contact us.
Download New Mills Fairtrade Poster to print and display in support.
Download New Mills Fairtrade Leaflet
Download New Mills Fairtrade Recipes
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