Find ethical events and champion Fairtrade in the city of Newcastle

Newcastle has a very proud history of supporting the Fairtrade movement.

In 1979, Traidcraft was set up in the city with the fundamental aim of changing peoples' lives through trade. The organisation would go on to introduce Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar to the UK.

In 1990, Shared Interest was founded with the aim of building a fairer world by providing financial services to fair trade businesses, and supporting disadvantaged communities with limited income opportunities

In 2003, Newcastle city council became the first metropolitan authority to receive Fairtrade status and went on to become a founding member of Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to seeing Fairtrade embedded within our local economy, communities and values.

Two decades on, Councillor and Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership Chair, Stephen Barry-Stanners, presented a motion to Newcastle City Council in light of Fairtrade’s 30^th anniversary in 2024. The motion aimed to reassert Newcastle’s Fairtrade ambitions and emphasise the need to continue raising awareness of Fairtrade within the city.

During the motion, Stephen referenced the work of Shared Interest as an example of Newcastle’s enduring connection to the movement – a connection we must foster and strengthen to reach our shared goals of a fairer world for all. To watch the video, click here.

Flying the flag for Fairtrade: Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership in 2024

In addition to passing the milestone Be the Change Fairtrade motion, 2024 was a busy year for Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership. To watch a recap of what the Partnership got up to in 2024, click here.

Louise Reeve, Secretary of Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership, said: 

"The last twelve months have been a great time for the Partnership, which has seen an increase in members and individuals taking part. It was made extra special by the celebrations to mark 30 years of Fairtrade. I was delighted to be appointed as chair of the Partnership in 2024 and I want to thank Councillor Teresa Cairns who held the role before me.”

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is host to many events throughout the year which celebrate Fairtrade campaigns, advocate for change and involve passionate, ethically-minded local communities. 

In 2024, Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership have been at the heart of many of these events, which you can learn more about below. 

Taking part in community events for Great Big Green Week

Leading up to Great Big Green Week, Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership used their social media platforms to encourage businesses, groups, and individual residents to take part in the campaign. Events to mark the campaign were organised by local councillors, including a community litter pick and planting session in Heaton, Newcastle, of which Louise participated in.

Attending Shared Interest’s Supporter Event in Durham

Louise and Stephen attended Shared Interest’s Supporter Event, which was held in Durham’s Town Hall in April last year. The event served as an opportunity for the Partnership to connect with people eager to create a fairer world and network with likeminded groups across the region. This year, you can meet the Shared Interest team and learn more about our work at free-to-attend Supporter Events in Edinburgh, Leeds and London. To find out more and register your interest, click here.

Passing a motion to Newcastle City Council during Fairtrade Fortnight

As Newcastle City Council's representative to the Partnership, Stephen was proud to move a motion to mark Fairtrade's 30th anniversary and recommit the council's support for Fairtrade and the Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership. Positively, the motion was unanimously agreed upon with cross-party support.

Ahead of the council meeting, the Partnership held an information stall outside of the council chamber. Louise and Stephen encouraged councillors to connect, learn about Fairtrade and take literature to read. The initiative was another positive step forward, with many councillors getting involved, sharing photos and promoting the Partnership on social media.

Connecting with the church at Newcastle Unitarians Service

Newcastle Unitarians, an inclusive church in the heart of Newcastle, have a long record of supporting the Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership. During Fairtrade Fortnight, the church held a virtual service to celebrate Fairtrade at 30. Newcastle Unitarians also use Fairtrade products whenever they hold in-person events.

If you are a place of worship that would like to become recognised as a Fairtrade institution, click here.

If you are a place of worship that would like to open a Share Account with Shared Interest and begin investing in a fairer world, please click here. 

Launching Newcastle's first Fairtrade Partnership Newsletter

This year, Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership launched their first online newsletter, which is shared with members, supporters and councillors within the City of Newcastle. The newsletter provides updates on local, national, and international Fairtrade news, details of upcoming local Fairtarde events, and features local Fairtrade businesses and supporters. If you would like to sign up to receive the Partnership’s Newsletter, please email fairtrade@newcastle.gov.uk with the subject heading: 'Newsletter Sign Up'.

Signing Fairtrade’s ‘Be The Change’ Pledge with Newcastle MPs

Following the General Election, the Fairtrade Foundation launched a ‘Be The Change’ pledge, which MPs could sign to show their support for Fairtrade principles. In Newcastle, the Partnership made contact with five MPs based in Newcastle, with each MP signing the pledge and committing their support.

During the pledge, Shared Interest also shared a comprehensive Fairtrade facts and activities guide in celebration of Fairtrade’s 30^th anniversary. If you want to be the change and learn how you can support Fairtrade using our guide, click here.

Hosting a Fairtrade Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support

Last year, Fairtrade Fortnight was held alongside Macmillan’s Coffee Morning campaign. At the Newcastle Civic Centre, staff organised a joint coffee morning to support Macmillan using Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar and sweet treats. The coffee morning raised over £300 for Macmillan. 

Subscribe to Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership’s Newsletter to receive updates on any future coffee morning events.

Celebrating Westgate Hill Primary School’s FairAchiever Award

One of Newcastle’s official Fairtrade schools, Westgate Hill Primary School, was awarded a FairAchiever School certificate during the year.

Representatives at the school said: "This is the culmination of much hard work by our staff and children over recent years to focus on Fair Trade values wherever we can."

If you represent a school that would like to be recognised as a Fairtrade institution, please click here.

If you would like your school to take action to support Fairtrade and transform the lives of farmers and craftspeople, then you can open a Share Account with Shared Interest by clicking here.

What’s Next?

Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership continue to work passionately around the City of Newcastle, engaging with diverse communities, events and campaigns to bring stories of Fairtrade to life and foster engagement and support for the movement.

Fairtrade guarantees dignified work, improved pay and increased opportunities for over two million Fairtrade certified farmers in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the world. 

Supporting fairer trade in any way is vital to ensure we secure an equitable and sustainable future for all, whether that’s by buying more Fairtrade products, getting involved in local events, sharing content on social media or opening a Shared Interest Share Account.

Whether you’re a school, a church, a business or an individual, you can always find a way to be fairer. Subscribe to Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership’s newsletter to learn more about what’s coming up in 2025.