Published: 25.02.08

Fairtrade Fortnight, a nationwide event to promote the work helping disadvantaged producers in the developing world get a better deal, starts this Monday 25 February.

The University of Brighton together with the University of Brighton Students' Union was awarded Fairtrade status in 2007 to mark our contribution in promoting the foundation's work and commitment to expand the availability of Fairtrade products.

Since then, the university's residential and catering services have expanded the range of Fairtrade products in all university food outlets including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit juices, cakes, snacks and chocolate.

However, the work does not stop here. The university's residential and catering services will continue to promote the Fairtrade brand, increasing the products including Fairtrade ingredients into freshly cooked meals and encourage customers to choose Fairtrade products wherever possible.

To help celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, residential and catering services have some fantastic offers in both their shops and their hospitality service. To find out more visit www.fairtrade.org.uk or alternatively look out for the advertising posters in all their outlets.

Elsewhere in the university, lecturer and researcher in the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Deborah Miarkowska, has set up ECO CHIC Fair Trade Ltd. The Sussex-based company ensures each Fairtrade product is produced by skilled craft makers living in rural villages and small cottage industries in the developing world. Offering beautiful quality and classic style, each product is individually handmade, using eco-friendly methods of production.

Deborah said: "We are passionate about the difference Fairtrade makes to the developing world and are keen to develop the ECO CHIC range further. In Zimbabwe we are sourcing beautiful, handmade beaded jewellery and in Nepal we are working with women who have been rescued from trafficking at an early age who are producing a range of bags."

"The university's fashion department has shown a keen interest in supporting ECO CHIC and we are discussing the possibility of a student placement from May to December 2008. I am keen for the student to feel very involved and a valued part of the team."

Visit www.ecochicfairtrade.co.uk for further details.