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Namaste

5 December 2007

Namaste has been trading fairly for over ten years. They invest heavily in travelling to see their suppliers several times a year and speak to them regularly. I went over to their warehouse on the Snaygill Industrial Estate to find out more...

Namaste buys most of its products directly from the primary producers. They also buy from some larger operations. From the point of view of the workers there are advantages to both; for example, a large company is able to offer a secure job and many more benefits, such as free healthcare for the worker and their family and free education. They are also able to support community projects. One of the suppliers in India gives funding to 2 beautiful schools set in a remote village in Rajasthan. Another in Nepal supports an orphanage providing, amongst other things, a water tank, food and blankets. He also gives his workers grants for festivals, clothes to wear for work and holiday pay. Being a larger supplier also gives some companies the opportunity to contract out work to smaller artisan groups, whom Namaste would find it difficult to give work to without using the contact of the larger company.

In developing markets, such as Nepal, Indonesia and Thailand, they deal with only primary producers. Many do not have the capital to be able to fulfil the order, so they make an advance payment for materials, workers and whatever else is necessary. In 2002 they provided their Nepalese clothing supplier with a large advance for him to buy land, machinery and the building for a new cotton knitting workshop. These advance payments have enabled him to survive despite bad debt problems with other Western customers.

All Namaste suppliers ensure that their workers are paid a fair price per piece, which is above the national average, and men and women are paid the same rate.

Namaste products all use azo-free dyes. These create a safer working environment and are better for the environment in general. Many of their products are made entirely from recycled materials, which are used wherever possible.

Namaste supports the Esther Benjamins Trust (www.ebtrust.org.uk).