Fair Trade
Scottish Fair Trade (The Scottish Fair Trade Forum) is a Scottish charity operating as Scotland's national Fair Trade network, convening communities, businesses, public bodies, and young people to maintain Scotland's Fair Trade Nation status and promote ethical trade practices.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersGlasgow, United Kingdom
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Fair Trade does
Scottish Fair Trade (legally The Scottish Fair Trade Forum) is a Scottish registered charity (SC039883) and company limited by guarantee (SC337384), founded with recognition of Fair Trade Nation status in 2013. It operates as Scotland's national Fair Trade network organization, convening communities, schools, campaigners, businesses, public sector bodies, and young people to maintain and advance Scotland's status as one of only two Fair Trade Nations globally (alongside Wales). The organization delivers a portfolio of programs including a national membership network, the Youth Collective for ages 13-25, advocacy campaigns (Swap the System, No Climate Justice Without Trade Justice, Election 2026), the Cross Party Group on Fair Trade at Scottish Parliament (where it serves as secretariat), the Fairer Hotels Guide, the Fair Trade Finders crowdsourcing platform, annual Scottish Fair Trade Awards, and the Catherine Newman Youth Bursary.
The organization has no proprietary technology stack; its core infrastructure consists of a WordPress-based website, Mailchimp-managed newsletters, and standard social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Bluesky). It operates with a small remote-first team headquartered at Robertson House, 152 Bath Street, Glasgow, with monthly in-person meetings.
Revenue is generated across four streams: membership fees from the national network, public donations (including to the Catherine Newman Youth Bursary), Scottish Government grants via the Global Solidarity Fund and Climate Justice programs, and trading income from its wholly-owned subsidiary Fair Change Co. (SC843484), which delivers ethical business consultancy and advisory services. The organization is led by Chief Executive Louise Davies and governed by a board of trustees.
Fair Trade firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Fair Trade
- Legal name
- The Scottish Fair Trade Forum
- Website
- https://scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Scottish Fair Trade (The Scottish Fair Trade Forum) is a Scottish charity operating as Scotland's national Fair Trade network, convening communities, businesses, public bodies, and young people to maintain Scotland's Fair Trade Nation status and promote ethical trade practices.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Fair Trade industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fair Trade Advocacy Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative) (BPAGALAD), Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing Certification Services (AFALAMAD)
Keywords
Where Fair Trade is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glasgow
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Fair Trade business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership fees: Organizations and businesses join as members of Scotland's Fair Trade network, contributing to the organization's operational funding
- Donations: Public donations accepted through their website shop-support portal, including the Catherine Newman Youth Bursary fund
- Government funding: Funding received from Scottish Government, including support for Global Solidarity Fund initiatives and international development partnerships
- Fair Change Co. trading subsidiary: Fair Change Co. (Company SC843484) serves as the trading subsidiary, providing consultancy and advisory services related to ethical business support
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Development & Business Partnerships Officer - £30,332 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels12 records
Fair Trade product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Scottish Fair Trade is Scotland's national Fair Trade network organization, convening and supporting community groups, schools, businesses, public bodies, and young campaigners to advance fair, ethical, and sustainable trade. It operates a membership network, delivers advocacy campaigns (Swap the System, No Climate Justice Without Trade Justice), runs a Youth Collective for young campaigners, and provides ethical business support through its trading subsidiary Fair Change Co.
Product overview
Scottish Fair Trade is a network organization and charity (SC039883) that operates as Scotland's Fair Trade network, supporting grassroots action across Scotland to maintain its status as a Fair Trade Nation. Rather than a traditional software product company, it offers a portfolio of programs, campaigns, and services including: a membership network connecting Fair Trade advocates; the Youth Collective for young campaigners; its trading subsidiary Fair Change Co. for ethical business support; advocacy campaigns (Swap the System, Climate Justice); the Cross Party Group on Fair Trade for parliamentary engagement; Campaigning Together networking sessions; the Fairer Hotels Guide for hospitality sector engagement; Fair Trade Finders crowdsourcing platform; annual Scottish Fair Trade Awards; and the Catherine Newman Youth Bursary. These offerings work together to build connections between campaigners, businesses, public bodies, and international partners around shared commitment to justice and sustainability in trade.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Scottish Fair Trade Network Membership A recurring network membership program for organizations and businesses that joins them to Scotland's Fair Trade network, providing access to resources, networking, recognition as a Fair Trade supporter, and participation in the Fair Trade Nation campaign. For community groups, schools, businesses, and public sector bodies in Scotland.
- Youth Collective An engagement program for young people aged 13-25 in Scotland offering campaign leadership development, climate justice education, and access to international Fair Trade conferences including the International Fair Trade Towns Conference via the Catherine Newman Youth Bursary.
- Fair Change Co. Consultancy Ethical business support, consultancy, and advisory services delivered by Scottish Fair Trade's wholly owned trading subsidiary Fair Change Co. (SC843484). Helps businesses and public sector organizations improve supply chain ethics, achieve Fair Trade credentials, and embed fair and sustainable procurement.
- Campaigning Together Regular online and in-person networking sessions for Fair Trade campaigners across Scotland to share experiences, collaborate on campaign initiatives, and build the Fair Trade movement.
- Fair Trade Finders A crowdsourcing platform enabling individuals to identify and document Fair Trade products available in shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues across Scotland.
- Catherine Newman Youth Bursary A bursary fund launched in 2026 in memory of colleague Catherine Newman to support young people in Scotland to attend the International Fair Trade Towns Conference and engage with the global Fair Trade movement.
Quantifiable outcome
- 97% of Scottish population have heard of Fair Trade
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Fair Trade
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Fair Trade technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Fair Trade partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary and core.
- Matthew AlgiesecondaryCoffee roasters in Glasgow, long-time Fairtrade supporters. Hosted visit from Rwenzori Sustainable Trade Centre representatives, demonstrating positive trading relationship between Scottish business and Fair Trade producers.
- World Fair Trade OrganizationcoreInternational federation of Fair Trade organizations worldwide. Scottish Fair Trade is a member network, connecting Scottish Fair Trade movement to global Fair Trade community. Provides international conference opportunities including International Fair Trade Towns Conference.
- Scottish GovernmentcorePrimary government funder supporting Scotland's Fair Trade Nation status and global citizenship initiatives. Provides funding through Global Solidarity Fund and Climate Justice programs. Scottish Government Riaghaltas na h-Alba logo displayed on website.
- Fair Change Co.coreTrading subsidiary (Company SC843484) of Scottish Fair Trade Forum. Provides consultancy and advisory services for ethical business support. Coordinates with external associates and consultants for specialist support delivery.
- Cross Party Group on Fair TradecoreScottish Parliament Cross Party Group where Scottish Fair Trade Forum serves as secretariat. Brings together MSPs, campaigners and Fair Trade advocates for quarterly meetings on trade justice policy. Administered on behalf of elected Convenor MP.
- SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations)secondaryUmbrella body for Scotland's voluntary sector. Scottish Fair Trade is a member, connecting to broader third sector network in Scotland.
- Corporate Justice CoalitionsecondaryUK coalition campaigning for Business, Human Rights and Environment Act. Scottish Fair Trade is a member supporting corporate accountability legislation that would strengthen Fair Trade principles.
- Stop Climate Chaos ScotlandsecondaryCoalition of organizations working on climate action in Scotland. Scottish Fair Trade collaborates on climate justice campaigns, including No Climate Justice Without Trade Justice initiative.
- Trade Justice MovementsecondaryUK-wide coalition campaigning for trade justice. Logo displayed indicating membership/partnership alignment on trade policy advocacy.
- Wellbeing Economy AlliancesecondaryInternational alliance promoting economic systems that work for people and planet. Scottish Fair Trade logo displayed as member, connecting Fair Trade to broader economic reform movement.
- Scotland's International Development Alliance (SIDA)secondaryAlliance of Scottish organizations working in international development. CEO Louise Davies previously employed by SIDA. SIDA arranged COP30 observer pass for Scottish Fair Trade representation.
- Cameron HousesecondaryFive-star resort at Loch Lomond featured in Fairer Hotels Guide. Demonstrates ethical sourcing, sustainability practices and responsible hospitality. Achieving EarthCheck Silver certification.
- The TorridonsecondaryFamily-owned hotel in north-west Highlands featured in Fairer Hotels Guide. Demonstrates local sourcing, heritage breeds and sustainable operations.
- Hodmedod'ssecondaryBritish food business achieving high Workers Score on Ethical Consumer rating. Living Wage and Living Hours accredited, demonstrating best practices in worker welfare.
- Postcard TeassecondarySmall tea merchant achieving perfect Workers Score through direct sourcing from small-scale farms under 15 acres in Asia, ensuring fair wages and safe conditions.
- Rwenzori Sustainable Trade CentresecondaryFair Trade cooperative from Uganda working with producers of cotton, cocoa, coffee and crafts. Visited Scotland to celebrate Fair Trade Nation renewal. Maintains trading relationship with Scottish businesses.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Fair Trade competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Fair Trade USA: Largest national Fair Trade certifier in North America, running campaigns and consumer education programmes comparable in scope to Scottish Fair Trade. Provides a national-network analogue in a much larger market and competing brand voice on Fair Trade messaging.
- Fairtrade Foundation: UK-wide Fair Trade organisation licensing the FAIRTRADE Mark and running national campaigns. Most directly comparable national-level Fair Trade body in the UK, serving overlapping business and public-sector audiences and coordinating UK-wide initiatives.
- Fair Trade Wales: The only other Fair Trade Nation network organisation globally, supporting Fair Trade campaigns and member organisations across Wales. Operates an almost identical network/membership model with parallel Youth engagement and parliamentary engagement programmes.
- BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops & Suppliers): UK trade association for Fair Trade shops and suppliers, providing member services, training and a marketplace directory. Overlaps with the Forum's business support and membership remit for ethical retailers and suppliers across the UK.
Broad incumbents
- Fairtrade International: International umbrella body for Fairtrade labelling across 25+ countries, setting global Fairtrade Standards. Operates a much broader scope than the Forum but is the principal international body governing the Fair Trade movement the Forum advocates for.
- World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO): Global federation of Fair Trade organisations that awards and renews Fair Trade Nation status — including Scotland's. Operates as a broader international umbrella rather than a single-country network, but directly governs the Forum's flagship accreditation.
Regional players
- Fairtrade Africa: Regional Fairtrade organisation representing producers and advocating Fair Trade across Africa — including countries like Uganda, Malawi and Kenya where the Forum runs producer-link programmes. Complements rather than competes with the Forum, but addresses overlapping audiences in international development and trade justice.
Others
- Shared Interest Society: UK-based cooperative providing finance to Fair Trade producers and supporting ethical supply chains. Operates in an adjacent enabling role rather than as a direct competitor, but serves many of the same producer cooperatives that the Forum showcases through its partnerships.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Fair Trade social profiles
Digital presenceFair Trade compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Fair Trade financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Fair Trade leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Fair Trade subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Fair Trade funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Fair Trade M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Fair Trade
What does Fair Trade do?
Scottish Fair Trade is Scotland's national Fair Trade network organization, convening and supporting community groups, schools, businesses, public bodies, and young campaigners to advance fair, ethical, and sustainable trade. It operates a membership network, delivers advocacy campaigns (Swap the System, No Climate Justice Without Trade Justice), runs a Youth Collective for young campaigners, and provides ethical business support through its trading subsidiary Fair Change Co.
Is Fair Trade a public or private company?
Fair Trade is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Fair Trade founded?
Fair Trade was founded in 2013.
Where is Fair Trade based?
Fair Trade is headquartered in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Fair Trade make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership fees are the primary driver. The others are donations, government funding and fair Change Co. trading subsidiary.
Who are Fair Trade's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Fair Trade USA, Fairtrade Foundation, Fair Trade Wales and BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops & Suppliers). Broad incumbents are Fairtrade International and World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Fairtrade Africa is listed as a regional player. Shared Interest Society is listed as an others.
Does Fair Trade have an API?
No public API is recorded for Fair Trade.
What industry is Fair Trade in?
Fair Trade's product category is Fair Trade Advocacy Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAL, Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support), with a secondary code of BPAGALAD, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative).