ETHOS

13 Brewer Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1RU

Small shop, big difference.

13th of March 2017

Maidstone's MP visits Ethos!

Helen Grant was invited by owner Tim Licence who was keen to meet her during Fairtrade Fortnight when campaigners and businesses have been calling for people to get behind Fairtade to drive much-needed change for farmers in developing countries. 

 

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As Maidstone's only shop that specialises in Fairtrade, Tim was delighted to show Helen the range of products he stocked. He highlighted Fairtrade soft drinks, including Ubuntu which was the UK's first Fairtrade Cola. Mr Licence stressed the importance of the drinks because many soft drinks manufacturers use cane sugar which is farmed in developing countries where workers need protection from exploitation. Helen enjoyed learning about the shop and even purchased a Divine Chocolate selection box, a company which she recognised from the Houses of Parliament canteen.   

 

Tim took the opportunity to give Helen a Brexit campaign card, from organisations such as Oxfam and Traidcraft. Speaking after this he said:

"It's really important that when the Government negotiates Brexit terms and future trade deals that farmers in developing countries are thought of so they can trade their way out of poverty. It's been a pleasure to have met my local MP to talk about life as a shopkeeper and Fairtrade."

 

Helen said "It is clear Tim has a real passion for Fairtrade and business. His shop is in a fantastic location in the middle of the town and demonstrates the power and importance of independent shops. I am happy to continue to support him and the Fairtrade initiative and would encourage shoppers to pay him a visit!”