Name: Jenny File
Job title: Product marketing manager
Company name: Traidcraft
Sales income: £15.5m for the year ending March 2010
HQ location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Number of employees: 150


What's it like to work for your company? Traidcraft is a dynamic place to work. We have been a pioneering force for Fairtrade since 1979 and have been influential in changing the way other businesses work. We have the largest range of fairly traded products in the UK.

Why is it a good employer? There is an ethos that the people working here are the company's greatest asset. And this translates into a collaborative atmosphere with everyone working together to achieve our mission of fighting poverty.

What's the best thing about working there? The knowledge that our efforts are not simply directed to maximising profits but are helping producers and their communities to flourish in some of the poorest parts of the world.

Does the company offer any unusual benefits? Several times a year, Traidcraft offers staff the opportunity to apply for a place on a Meet the People Tour. These tours, lasting about two weeks, combine visits to Traidcraft producers with time to take in the sights, sounds and flavours of some of the countries in which we work.

How does the company differ from its rivals? We go far beyond simply applying Fairtrade standards to our products. We are constantly innovating, campaigning and building lasting relationships with our suppliers. Our charity, Traidcraft Exchange is also engaged in a wide range of charitable projects.

Is there a definable company culture? We all have a shared goal and are striving to be agents of change.

If the company were a car what would it be and why? Nissan Leaf. It's made in the north east and is a pioneering model that is leading the way.

What's the training like and what qualifications can I earn? Traidcraft is committed to investing in its staff and maximises training opportunities for all staff so that they reach their full potential. The qualifications our staff gain vary widely as, while we believe all staff have potential to grow, we recognise they will grow in different ways and need different kinds of support.

Has the company won any awards? We have won the North East Equality Awards twice, in 2008 and in 2005.

What's your proudest achievement of the last 12 months? Our constant innovation of new Fairtrade products is a source of immense pride. We've just launched the UK's first Fairtrade wholewheat digestive biscuit. And we are proud of our new website www.lovegeobar.com, which showcases the Geobar, the UK's most popular Fairtrade cereal bar.

Are you looking for people right now? We're always looking for talented and passionate people and, as the organisation develops, new opportunities arise all the time. We're currently in the process of recruiting a projects officer for our policy unit.

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