Dear Friends,

As you’ll have heard, Traidcraft plc has recently been going through a period of consultation. We’ve received hundreds of messages of support from shareholders, Fair Traders, fair trade shops, staff, suppliers, and producers, and it’s all contributed to this latest update.

It’s the passion and drive of these communities which has proven to our Board that Traidcraft’s mission isn’t yet over. There’s still work to be done, and we know we’re the ones to do it.

Our Board is currently investigating a proposal which would mean Traidcraft is downsized, but transformed into a fair trade business of tomorrow – fit for purpose (and success) in the 21^st century.

Traidcraft would maintain its pioneering spirit, and seek to deliver greater transparency and added value to ethical consumers.

If the proposal is accepted, Traidcraft would continue to operate, and you’d be able to continue to shop with us and change the lives of growers and artisans worldwide.

The Board believes that this transformation is possible, as long as our loss-making model changes.  A new model is being developed by internal staff and external advisors, and we hope to share our vision with you in the week commencing 5^th November.

Downsizing will be an essential part of this journey. While this proposal is being considered, it’s unavoidable that all current staff will formally be served notice of their redundancy. This will also have an effect on our producers. We’re proactively working with our sister charity, Traidcraft Exchange, to identify the producers most at risk and provide the support they need. Traidcraft Exchange will be launching an appeal this Christmas to raise funds for this work. If you’d like to be kept informed about this, please email hello@traidcraft.org with your details.

We have a lot to do in the coming few months, but we’re hopeful that we may now have sight of a bright new beginning for Traidcraft plc. In 1979 we introduced fair trade to the UK, and at the turn of our 40^th year we’re planning to do it all again, working in new ways to make trade fairer for people and the planet.

Thank you for your ongoing support – in letters, e-mails, and orders…. We ask you to keep purchasing from us to invest in this bright future. Our latest collection is the biggest and most impactful range we’ve ever had. Shop with us, and continue to make a difference.