WHY JOIN BAFTS?
There are loads of reasons why you might consider joining the BAFTS UK network. The benefits are diverse and are widely based around 3 main ideas:
INSPIRATION — BAFTS membership means that you can hear and learn from the expertise and stories of other experienced shop owners, suppliers and spokespeople for Fair Trade at our Annual Conference and through our fortnightly members Newsletter. The Annual Conference also provides the chance to exhibit your products on a stall and draw inspiration from informative workshops on various topics—from how to use social media to manufacturing with innovative materials and the importance of developing long-lasting relationships with producers—all with the aim of growing your business and strengthening the impact of Fair Trade retail in the UK.
COMMUNITY — Being a member of BAFTS means being part of a community of around 120 shops and suppliers who share a commitment to Fair Trade practice in the running of their businesses. BAFTS also offers opportunities to meet other people passionate about Fair Trade—whether it be through our social media platforms, at Trade Shows or at our Annual Conference—and to share ideas and resources to help strengthen a collaborative and community-driven approach to retail. BAFTS suppliers are also sometimes in a position to offer benefits to other members, such as lower minimum orders, special promotions and discounts.
ACCOUNTABILITY — BAFTS offers a structure of peer-to-peer accountability, which means that all members must show ongoing commitment to the WFTO’s 10 Principles of Fair Trade in the day-to-day running of their business. This way, UK-based shops and suppliers who adhere to Fair Trade practices can have their commitment to Fair Trade recognised and be a part of the wider Fair Trade movement and community.
HOW TO JOIN
There are four different types of BAFTS membership, as outlined below/in the next section. If you are interested in becoming a member, download the form linked below and, once completed, return it to admin@bafts.org.uk. Members are approved via a process of peer review, so your application will be passed on to our Membership Panel. They will contact you to discuss any issues that may have been raised while reviewing your application.
Throughout your membership, you will be asked to complete a new form on a bi-annual basis, to demonstrate ongoing improvements in your support for producers.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM
Membership categories
Shop members
Shop members are retailers who source at least 60% of their stock from certified fair trade sources. The following certifications are recognised: Fairtrade (FLO), goods sourced from suppliers who are members of WFTO or BAFTS, goods approved by Goodweave, Fair For Life and from WFTO network members working in the Global South.
Associate members
Associate members are retailers who source at least 50% of their goods from the above- mentioned sources. Associate members pay the same fees as full members and have the same right to use the BAFTS logo, but do not have the right to vote at the AGM.
Supplier members
Supplier members source their products directly from producers in the majority world. Their business practices are governed by the
Ten Principles of Fair Trade, as established by the WFTO.
Direct Sourcing Retailers
Direct Sourcing Retailers sell only to the general public but they import some or all of the goods they sell from the majority world.
Friends of BAFTS
For organisations which retail Fair Trade goods alongside other products and have a strong commitment to Fair Trade and share the BAFTS’ ethos, but are unable to reach the required percentage of Fair Trade sales for full membership due to the nature and structure of their business.
FEES
We want membership to be as accessible as possible to all businesses that are committed to fair trade. Our membership fees are linked to turnover and start at just £40 per annum.
Please email admin@bafts.org.uk for further information.
