A number of companies in Chelmsford already supply Fairtrade beverages to their staff. These include Baker Tilly, Chelmsford Borough Council, Chelmsford Star, Co-operative Bank, Essex County Council, M&G, Nationwide, Thompsons (Solicitors), Transport & General Workers' Union and Unison.

However, we know that there is much more that can be done. We want to encourage a lot more employers to offer Fairtrade beverages, biscuits and sugar to their staff and to consider how best they can provide other Fairtrade items for their clients and guests including iced coffee, fruit, cakes, wines, flowers for the office and reception area, to name but a few.

Why offer Fairtrade at Work? An Ipsos MORI survey conducted in 2005 revealed that 86% of employees want their company to be socially and environmentally responsible. From hairdressers to building sites and local councils to banks, businesses and organisations all over the UK are choosing to offer Fairtrade products to their staff, clients and visitors.

Please tell us what you are doing as this will help us to retain Chelmsford as a Fairtrade Town.

For further information on Fairtrade at Work and a range of resources

Make it your business to buy fair

If you would like to comment on our activities, send us your ideas on the best way to develop Fairtrade in the workplace, provide us with information, or any other news about Fairtrade, please go to our Discussion Forum or Tel. 01245 601373.