The award ceremony took place on Friday 9 March at Leigh Court. The journalist and television news presenter George Alagiah presented the awards.

Fiona Wilkie, Head of Hospitality Services, said: “Hospitality Services is committed to developing an ethical and sustainable approach to the provision of catering within the University. The Fairtrade Business Awards is another major milestone for the department and underpins our commitment to both our ethical and sustainability strategies. I am thrilled that such a large and diverse department has been able to achieve a silver award for consistently delivering services that meet the Fairtrade quality mark throughout the University.”

The winning team comprises members from all areas of Hospitality Services, including Fred Quinn (Executive Head Chef), Ben Seymour (Operations Manager - Retail), Linda James (Catering Manger - Halls), Lesley Mason (Operations Manager, Concurrence and Events) and Shelley Barratt (Hospitality Services Administrator). Together this team, supported by committed operational staff, provide a diverse range of services that encompass both the Hawthorns’ operational activities, retail cafés such as Source, based in departments and faculty buildings, and catering within halls of residence in both Clifton and Stoke Bishop.

Fairtrade Fortnight took place from 27 February to 11 March this year. The annual event, promoted by the Fairtrade Foundation, aims to encourage positive change on unfair trade, including getting people to make the switch to buying Fairtrade products.

The University works closely with the Fairtrade Foundation to maintain its Fairtrade status. Fairtrade products are available for sale in all University retail outlets. Fairtrade options are provided at internal meetings served by the University’s Catering Service. Staff who cater for themselves in offices are encouraged through campaigning to purchase Fairtrade foods.