Trading for Good celebration for Ipswich

Ipswich Star: Trading for Good founder and director Kay Allen with Natalie Chaplin of Ipswich Town and WaterfrontTrading for Good founder and director Kay Allen with Natalie Chaplin of Ipswich Town and Waterfront (Image: Archant)

Kay Allen, founder and director of Trading for Good was in Ipswich for a special awards evening and networking event.

Local businesses, large and small, took part in the celebration at Alaturka Restaurant in Great Colman Street.

Paul Winter, chief executive of Ipswich Building Society, spoke about the importance of ethical business and community involvement.

A range of local businesses were presented with awards certificates by Kay Allen.

Ipswich Star: Kay Allen of Trading for Good, left, with Lorna Rose of Green Shoots LearningKay Allen of Trading for Good, left, with Lorna Rose of Green Shoots Learning (Image: Archant)

Kay Allen said the development of Trading for Good in Ipswich and Suffolk was now being used as a model for developments in other parts of the UK.

Trading for Good is a new digital service helping small businesses to strengthen their repuation, and grow, by showcasing the good work they do in their local communities.

It also brings together responsible businesses, and principled customers, for support and helps the good work keep growing.

Kay said it was also about like-minded business people supporting each other.

Ipswich Star: Trading for Good, Ipswich event at Alaturka Restaurant in Great Colman Street, IpswichTrading for Good, Ipswich event at Alaturka Restaurant in Great Colman Street, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Natalie Chaplin, Trading for Good regional ambassador said: “This event celebrates the contribution of small and medium size businesses in the East of England, and that even the smallest act can make a difference. And it’s not just about donations and fundraising. It’s about supporting young people into work, activities to make life better for employees, as well as choosing reputable suppliers and paying them on time. The award winners this evening have shown through their profiles on Trading for Good and the endorsements they have received, that they really have made a difference to the local community.

“Trading for Good is growing. Following the success of the work we’ve been doing in Ipswich, other Regional Ambassadors are now being appointed. Ipswich is leading the way is championing the great work of small and medium sized businesses, and we look forward to working with businesses across the East of England and sharing the benefits of membership, as well as shouting about the great work that they do.”

The first batch of Ipswich Trading for Good Award Winners were:

Alaturka Restaurant - Semra Avcikaya

Affinity PR - Helen Oldfield

Niroshini - Melissa Day

Barnes Construction received by Mark Bailey director

Ipswich Town & Waterfront - Natalie Chaplin

Green Shoots Learning - Lorna Rose

Woodward Markwell received by Louise Chaulklen

Ipswich Building Society recieved by Jo Palfrey

Nick Barber Architects

The Trading for Good team present were Kay Allen OBE, founder and director, Chris Attwood director, Kevin Barber communications and marketing manager and Natalie Chaplin, regional ambassador East of England.

www.tradingforgood.co.uk