Firms with a conscience are being urged to enter the South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2014 before this Friday’s deadline.
Now in their second year, the awards recognise and showcase the efforts of businesses across the region which use Fairtrade products and support fair and ethical business practices. 
Each of the six categories has bronze, silver and gold level awards recognising the level of dedication to Fairtrade principles and every business that meets the criteria is likely to be among the winners.
The awards ceremony takes place at City Hall, Bristol, on March 6 and forms part of Fairtrade Fortnight.
The ceremony will be hosted by The Observer’s ethical correspondent Lucy Siegle and will be followed by a business networking lunch sponsored by Shared Interest Foundation.
The six categories are:
* Best Fairtrade Office, sponsored by Burges Salmon
* Best Fairtrade Retailer – single product
* Best Fairtrade Retailer – multiple products
* Best Fairtrade Food Outlet
* Best Fairtrade Accommodation
* Best Fairtrade University or College
An overall winner will be selected from the entries in all categories and will receive The Best Fairtrade Business 2014 Award.
Last year’s winners were Easy Bean, a small, innovative company based in Yeovil which, inspired by the bean and one-pot recipes from around the world, has created a range of healthy and versatile recipes.
Fairtrade Fortnight launches on Monday February 24 with a Business Fairtrade Breakfast for regional business leaders at the offices of Bristol law firm Burges Salmon.
Guests will hear from hear from Margarita Espinoza, a Fairtrade coffee producer from Soppexcca Co-operative in Nicaragua, and the Burges Salmon’s procurement team. Attendees will be asked to pledge support to Fairtrade.
Fairtrade is the most recognised ethical mark in the UK, by 78% of consumers and the most trusted, at 90% of these consumers. Fairtrade plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable food production to a growing world population.
Further details and an entry form for the South West Fairtrade Business Awards can be found at http://swftbusinessawards.eventbrite.co.uk
