The Book Bag Company was launched in Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, on 14th May 2005, World Fair Trade Day.

The Book Bag Company, a community interest, not-for-profit company, aims to contribute to the economic development of Bangladesh through fair trade and to the economic regeneration of Wigtown through enhancing employment opportunities.

The Book Bag Company is based on the experience and knowledge of three women, Ann Le Mare, Joy Cherkaoui and Angela Everitt, who visit fair trade producer groups and alternative trading organisations in Bangladesh. Angela Everitt runs the first second-hand bookshop to open in Wigtown, Galloway, when it became Scotland’s National Book Town. Joy Cherkaoui is a community development worker in Dumfries & Galloway. Ann le Mare is undertaking research in Bangladesh into the impact of fair trade.

‘There is no doubt that fair trade makes a difference to people’s standards of living but it is also very clear that, for fair trade to really make a significant difference, more trading links need to be made. With this is mind, we are establishing a new company in Wigtown, the Book Bag Company’

The Book Bag Company is a wholesale company, importing and marketing products from IFAT registered organisations in Bangladesh:

• customised bags made from natural jute to your own design – you choose the size and shape of bag, colour of jute, colour(s) of printing of your own name and logo

• a wide variety of handmade paper