Leeds branch manager Debbie Fletcher, worked her last day for Shared Earth on Wednesday August 5th, almost 18 years to the day since starting in the Bradford branch as a trainee assistant manager.

Debbie (2nd left) with some of her staff at her farewell dinner

Fresh out of university in 1991, she joined Shared Earth a week after graduating, and had become manager of the Bradford branch within six months, where she stayed a year until moving across to manage the Leeds branch.

At the first Leeds branch 1993

Over the years she has managed approximately 105 staff, some of whom she regards as her closest friends today. She has the record of being the longest serving staff member to date in the history of the company, and it is one she is very proud of.

“Many people can’t believe just how long I have worked for Shared Earth, but I have never wanted to move on to another retail company.” Debbie said. “I have had opportunities and offers over the years, but at the end of the day I not only love the job, I care about what the company has tried to achieve, and as long as I wanted to stay in retail, I wanted to stay at Shared Earth”

With much missed Leeds councillor Norma Hutchinson at the opening of Africa Day in 1994

In London at the ACCA receiving the 1996 award on behalf of Shared Earth for environmental reporting

Supporting the East Leeds Music Project 1998

So what now if not retail?

Debbie is starting teacher training in September, having decided to follow a career as a Primary Teacher. Although a different career entirely with different challenges, she isn’t going to be leaving fair trade behind her.

“I want to use the knowledge I have gained over the years at Shared Earth, and bring fair trade and sustainability into the classroom. As a manager at Shared Earth I have always been keen to have contact with schools, and to go into classroom environments to talk to children about the principles of fair trade, now I will have the opportunity to integrate this hopefully! No doubt I shall be asking the Leeds branch for their input in this area when the time comes!”

Shared Earth wishes her well in her new career, although Debbie is insisting it isn’t goodbye.

“No, sorry, you can’t get rid of me that easily after all this time. At the very least I shall be at the next Leeds Network Night, and I have many friends within the company who I intend to stay in contact with”

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