SHARED EARTH has 20 years of extensive knowledge of the Fair Trade industry and operates a retail and wholesale business based around trading fairly in developing countries. Everyone who works with Shared Earth has an opportunity to become involved and staff regularly travel to places such as India, Nepal and the Philippines to work with artisans to ensure that they create products that British consumers want to buy. In the UK, we are buying more Fair Trade products than ever before which is having a rel positive impact. SHARED EARTH is one of the most established and proactive Fair Trade businesses working hard to raise the profile and awareness of fairly traded products.

In The News

Shared Earth works with a range of national, regional, local and ethical specific media. We assist publications to produce stories about Fair Trade from a working perspective. Shared Earth’s founder and Managing Director Jeremy Piercy is currently writing a book which endeavours to capture the wonderful experience that Fair Trade provides for all its participants. Other books on Fair Trade are available, but this will be the first one written from someone actually trading, as opposed to a journalist, academic or campaigner. To view a selection of press articles, click here.

The Products and Service

As well as 8 shops within the UK, SHARED EARTH’s products can be found online at www.sharedearth.co.uk. If you are lucky enough to have a shop near you, you can browse within a beautifully presented retail environment with a vibrant atmosphere. Large colourful images of the artisans at work help induce a “feel good factor” that stays with you when back at home with your SHARED EARTH products. The product ranges include unique jewellery, fashion accessories, wood, ceramics, paper, soapstone and kids ranges. SHARED EARTH also specialises in recycled products. Why is SHARED EARTH successful? “Because we listen to our customers,” says Jeremy Piercy who founded SHARED EARTH in the 1980s. “We are unusual in the fact that we have a specialist team of in-house designers who spot trends and respond quickly to changes in fashion and consumer tastes. Ethical standards are increasingly important to consumers and SHARED EARTH is the most professional and most experienced retailer in the Fair Trade/environmental sector,” explains Jeremy.

The Franchise Opportunity

This autumn, SHARED EARTH decided to share its retail concepts through franchising and now individuals can buy a SHARED EARTH package and set up their own Fair Trade shop in their chosen geographical are. “We are looking for individuals with the right qualities who want to own an ethical, profitable business. We are only looking for a small number of people initially so that they receive an excellent level of care,” says Jeremy.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Business Type: Fair Trade retail outlets with products from all over the world placed in vibrant high street locations.

Owners: Owner and MD is Jeremy Piercy; Co-Director is Paul Edmondson.

Target Audience: Women and men of all ages with an interest in Fair Trade products. Also appeals to consumers wanting hand-made unique gifts at a fair price.

Product Range: Unique jewellery, fashion accessories, wood, ceramics, paper, soapstone, recycled and kids ranges.

Number of Shops: Seven sites situated in the UK.

Franchise Facts and Figures

The SHARED EARTH franchise launched in September 2007 and is initially looking for 2 - 4 individuals with an interest in Fair Trade and retailing to launch a SHARED EARTH shop in their own area. The initial franchise fee is £7,500 with an estimated total investment of £73,700 plus VAT and working capital. If you would like to view a Franchise Prospectus, please call SHARED EARTH direct on 01904 655314 or email franchising@sharedearth.co.uk

Interview Opportunities

Jeremy Piercy is a specialist and pioneer within the Fair Trade industry and is available for interview to offer a valuable insight into the history and growth of this sector. He is already booked to be featured in several national magazines next year, and is currently writing a book about Fair Trade. If you are interested in featuring Jeremy or asking his advice on Fair Trade within a column, please contact Sarah Dyer at Coconut Creatives (details below).

All Media Enquiries

All media enquiries for additional images, to run a feature or obtain quotes from SHARED EARTH, please contact Sarah Dyer at Coconut Creatives on 01963 31030 or email sarah@coconutcreatives.co.uk