About Us

About Us

Quite simply Fairwind is about gifts and fair trade. We also pride ourselves on great customer service and on being kind to the planet. We believe that Fairwind is the first to offer a high quality range of the most desirable fair trade gifts from across the globe, safe in the knowledge that nobody in the third world is being disadvantaged, and the environment is not being harmed.

High quality

Fair trade doesn’t mean poor quality; we select only exceptional and distinctive fair trade products. If a gift doesn’t match our high standards then we work with a producer to change it. We never ignore a great idea, and our suppliers often create unique and beautiful items. We then establish a fair trade partnership and the supplier is able to develop his or her business in a sustainable way. If our business grows, then their business grows. If you love an item and buy it, then fair trade is working and it’s a success!

Fair trade

We believe that fair trade relationships with suppliers in Asia, South America and Africa will help ensure the sustainable development of countries in these regions. By ensuring that the money goes directly to craftsmen and women we have a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their families.

Fair trade is all about offering a better deal to small producers and craftspeople in the developing world. By paying fair prices for goods and services, Fairwind ensures that they make sufficient money to reinvest in their businesses and in the well-being of their staff.

By following fair trade principles we ensure that:

Fairwind is a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS). Please go to www.bafts.org.uk for more information. Please also take a look at the web site for the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT); www.ifat.org.

Customer service

We believe in offering excellent customer service and hassle free shopping on an appealing and easy to use website and in our relaxed and welcoming shop. We have the best systems in place to ensure your purchase, or your enquiry, is processed to your absolute satisfaction. If, for any reason, we do not achieve this please do contact us to let us know.

Our green planet

We source most of our products from the developing world, either directly or through fair trade wholesalers in the UK. We try to ensure that our producers use materials from sustainable resources. We also recycle, use recycled products and packaging where possible; e.g. we recycle our cardboard, printer cartridges and paper and reuse the packaging that is sent to us by suppliers. We also buy recycled stationery and support the conservation efforts of the World Wide Fund for Nature by donating 10% of the proceeds from the sale of all of our elephant products.

Our shop

We have even more truly stunning products but they just can’t be posted. Our shop in London stocks our entire website range, but it is also a treasure trove of larger gift items and furniture. We stock a beautiful range of high quality solid teak and oak furniture; ranging from chests of drawers to dining sets and from stools to bookshelves. Most of our items are fair trade and come from sustainable sources. Come and visit us at:

47 Park Road
London
N8 8TE

Telephone: 020 8374 6254
Fax: 020 8341 2257

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5:45pm
  Saturday 10am to 6pm
  Sunday 12am to 5pm

In safe hands

If you have read this far, then you must be interested in Fairwind and fair trade. This bold and unique company is run by experienced business people who happen to believe in fair trade. The owners are Martin Abel and Teresa Owen; they are well into their thirties, have 3 degrees, a diploma, and a wealth of experience between them. They also have young families (hence the great selection of childrens' stuff). To see for yourself, click here!