Community News - Archives

22.12.09: Community begin to tell their stories

Community begin to tell their stories We have lots of fantastic stories to tell about our products, here are just a couple of them...

10.12.09: Ethletic showcase in Singapore

Ethletic showcase in Singapore Last month, Ethletic Fairtrade Footballs and Fairtrade Cotton Sneakers were under the spot light at a GLOBAL event.

Qi GLOBAL is a social enterprise based in Singapore, using events, media and retail to illustrate “human progress in harmony with nature. Their mission is to inspire people to think and act more progressively with deeper social and environmental considerations towards how we live, work and play in a future world. For more information about Qi and the recent expo, including lots of fantastic event photographs, take a look at their website www.qi-global.com

Interested in stocking Ethletic Fairtrade Sportballs? Find out more at www.ethletic.com
or contact us directly.

03.12.09: Community Foods appoints new MD and Commercial Director

Community Foods appoints new MD and Commercial Director Some significant and exciting changes at Community are announced this month.

Community, acknowledged experts in sourcing dried fruit, nuts and seeds as well as leading organic specialist has appointed Martin Rome as Managing Director from 1st January 2010 to succeed Bill Henry.

Bill Henry has been with Community for over 30 years where it has grown from £1 million to £50 Million. Having overseen a management buyout and subsequent sale of the business in 2006, Bill remains at Community with a position on the board.

Martin joined Community Foods from Whitworths in April. Martin brings over 20 years experience in dried fruit, nuts and seeds having started his career with S&W Berisford before moving to Voicevale and latterly Whitworths for 8 years where he held the position of Purchasing Director.

Martin’s external interests include his position as chairman of FRUCOM (a European federation, representing a wide range of food products) and board member of CENTA (Combined Edible Nuts Trade Association). Martin has previously also chaired the NDFTA (British Dried Fruit Trades Association).

In addition, David Lewis is promoted to Commercial Director overseeing all of Community’s retail activities. David has been with Community for 9 years and has been responsible for establishing Community’s leading Organic Brand, Crazy Jack Organic in the home bake sector. David is filling a position on the board vacated by Tim Powell who remains as Brands Director to develop the brands portfolio of the business

The changes to the structure bring increased strength to the management team, whilst retaining the significant expertise and knowledge of the industry held by both Bill and Tim.

Download our Press Release (30Kb PDF).

01.12.09: Homelessness ends here

Homelessness ends here This year we have cut out Christmas cards to help more people escape the cycle of homelessness.

At Community Foods, we are cutting out Christmas cards in 2009 to help Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, open doors for homeless people this Christmas. Crisis is dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.

Crisis are conveying season’s greetings to their contacts through a double page advertisement donated by the Financial Times and a festive video e-card. Last year, this campaign raised over £650,000 helping Crisis to provide year round services to homeless people across the UK.

Bill Henry, Managing Director of Community Foods says “We have been supporting Crisis at Christmas for many years, we are pleased to be able to continue our support in 2009.”

Leslie Morphy, chief executive of Crisis said “The Christmas Card Challenge is our most crucial corporate fundraiser helping us raise nearly £7million in the 14 years since the campaign began. By simply donating the money that would normally be spent on traditional company Christmas cards, businesses can support homeless people while continuing to wish their clients a Merry Christmas.
All the artists who have worked on the card are homeless people who will be spending Christmas with Crisis and the money raised will go towards making sure they (and thousands of others like them) have companionship, shelter and access to vital services over the festive season.”

To enjoy a cheery moment of hope and renewal click here. Peace and Goodwill to all.

To find out more about this year’s Christmas Card Challenge, visit www.crisis.org.uk