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Piazza backs bid to make Renfrewshire a Fairtrade zone
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One of the biggest shopping centres in Paisley has thrown its weight behind the campaign to make Renfrewshire a Fairtrade zone.
The Piazza shopping centre, in the heart of Paisley, has teamed up with the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group to support the bid to achieve Fairtrade status for the whole of Renfrewshire.
The centre's management have pledged to use Fairtrade products wherever possible and several shops, such as Somerfield and The Works, stock Fairtrade items.
The Piazza are also sponsoring the Fair in the Square event on Saturday 23 August which will celebrate five years since Paisley became a Fairtrade town.
The Piazza shopping centre, in the heart of Paisley, has teamed up with the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group to support the bid to achieve Fairtrade status for the whole of Renfrewshire.
The centre's management have pledged to use Fairtrade products wherever possible and several shops, such as Somerfield and The Works, stock Fairtrade items.
The Piazza are also sponsoring the Fair in the Square event on Saturday 23 August which will celebrate five years since Paisley became a Fairtrade town.
Centre Manager Maureen Hill was presented with a certificate recognising the Piazza's efforts to support Fairtrade by Duncan MacIntosh of Paisley Fairtrade Partnership and Councillor Derek Mackay, chair of Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group.
Maureen said: "The Piazza are delighted to be associated with Fairtrade, and many of our retailers also support ethical trading in a variety of ways. We're proud to be at the heart of Paisley community and to be working with Renfrewshire Council to achieve their aim of making Renfrewshire a Fairtrade Zone. We are pleased to continue our commitment to Fairtrade by sponsoring the Fair in the Square event on 23 August."
Council Leader Derek Mackay, chair of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group, said: "Having the Piazza come on board with this campaign is a huge boost. I am delighted that such a high profile popular business in Renfrewshire is committing itself to supporting producers in the developing world by promoting and selling Fairtrade goods."
"Renfrewshire already has a strong commitment to Fairtrade amongst voluntary groups, churches and schools. However, in order to achieve Fairtrade status for the whole area, local businesses also need to get on board. The Piazza is an excellent example which I hope many other local businesses will follow."
The steering group was established earlier this year to lead Renfrewshire's Fairtrade campaign following the success of Paisley and Bishopton in achieving Fairtrade status.
The campaign won an outstanding achievement award from the Fairtrade Foundation in June.
For more information on the Piazza, log onto the new Piazza Paisley website.
Press release: Wednesday 6 August 2008
