ALDRETH Fair Trade gifts company Artes Mundi was invited to set out its stall in the reception area of Cambridge s St John Innovation Centre. Visitors were able to select gifts that included tall wooden giraffes from Bali, metal cockerels and herons from

ALDRETH Fair Trade gifts company Artes Mundi was invited to set out its stall in the reception area of Cambridge's St John Innovation Centre.

Visitors were able to select gifts that included tall wooden giraffes from Bali, metal cockerels and herons from Southern Africa, a wide range of bags and silk scarves and pashminas from Nepal and many other unique hand-made gifts.

The day was a great success and there are plans to repeat the event in September and again in the lead up to Christmas.

The company is run by husband and wife team Sian and Mark Hugo. They founded Artes Mundi just under two years ago to help craftsmen and their families in some of the poorer regions of the world to achieve a fair and regular income.

"We sell goods from places such as Bali and Java who need all the help they can get after recent disasters," said Sian.

"The quality of their craftsmanship has great appeal to local people over here. In particular, our bags and scarves hand-made in Nepal within charities set up to help disadvantaged women and children proved very popular."

Artes Mundi visit an increasing number of local companies willing to help promote Fair Trade. These include Domino Printing Sciences and Cambridge Water Company, who benefit by Artes Mundi donating a percentage of their sales to the company's chosen charity.

Walter Herriot, managing director of St John Innovation Centre, said: "St John's are delighted to support this young company and the Fair Trade principles it promotes. Having all the goods on display brightened up the building for the day and we hope Artes Mundi will visit again soon."

New bookings are being taken both for the summer and for the Christmas build up. If you wish to add your company to the growing list contact Sian or Mark on 01353 740586 or send an e-mail to bookings@artes-mundi.co.uk