International trade is a key feature in the lives of millions of small scale producers in the developing world. By buying Fairtrade products UK consumers can play an important role in improving the often desperate situation facing producers and their families in today's unpredictable world markets.

Tower Hamlets Fairtrade Group was set up in late 2005 by a group of local people keen to achieve Fairtrade Borough status for Tower Hamlets as part of the Fairtrade London initiative promoted by the Fairtrade Foundation and the Mayor of London. For more information about the London-wide campaign, please visit www.fairtradelondon.org.uk

The Tower Hamlets Fairtrade group includes representatives of local development campaign groups, churches and faith groups, universities and other community and education organisations and Tower Hamlets council.
Our aims are:
* To provide local residents and community groups with information about Fairtrade and development issues
* To encourage local groups to hold events, especially during Fairtrade Fortnight
* To increase awareness of Fairtrade among consumers and retailers
* To support development education work in schools
* To encourage local businesses to stock, use and promote Fairtrade products
* To assist in the production of a Fairtrade directory for Tower Hamlets.

In October 2006 Tower Hamlets was awarded Fairtrade Borough status, having achieved the 5 goals. We aim to build on our achievements so far by lobbying retailers, schools, businesses as well as the council itself to increase their support for Fairtrade through their purchasing and other policies. We will continue working to increase awareness and build support, particularly during Fairtrade Fortnight.