Mayor presents Cafe 8 with Fairtrade plaque
On 26 February 2007 Gateshead became a Fairtrade Borough. The Fairtrade Foundation set five goals for the people of Gateshead to hit to be awarded Fairtrade Borough status:
1. The Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade and agree to serve fair trade coffee and tea at its meetings and in its offices and canteens. This was done on 20 July 2005. They must allocate Fairtrade responsibilities to a member of staff or committee. This was done in July 2005.
2. A range of at least 2 Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area's shops and Fair Trade products must be served in local cafés and catering establishments. 22 cafes and restaurants in Gateshead sell 2 or more Fairtrade products.
3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc.) and community organisations (churches, schools etc). Shops, cafes and catering establishment should display literature or placards advertising that they sell a Fairtrade mark products. A Fairtrade directory should be produced to show where local people can buy fair trade. A target could be set of 40 retail outlets and 20 catering outlets selling Fairtrade products. Venues should display stickers posters or a certificate advising customers where they can buy Fairtrade products. Educational campaigns should be organised in shops etc. Aim to include a flagship employer.
31 workplaces, 47 churches, 22 schools either use 2 or more Fairtrade products or support Fairtrade in some significant way. A directory of places where Fairtrade goods are sold or used was introduced on 26 February 2007 and has been available on the Council’s website since the beginning of 2006. Stickers or other promotional material have been provided for all places which sell or use Fairtrade products
Tyne Tees Television is the Gateshead Flagship employer.
4.Media coverage should be attracted with popular support for the campaign. There must be a commitment to promote awareness of Fairtrade. An educational event or competition should be arranged. A range of media coverage and events have been held over the last 2 years raising the profile of Fairtrade in Gateshead including Fairtrade Fortnight and the Blaydon Kiddars race.
A local Fairtrade steering group is to be convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade status. A Fairtrade Steering group was set up on 10 October 2005. It meets every 2 months and is made up of a wide range of people from representatives of businesses, churches, educational establishments and private individuals.