Eco refit to celebrate 20 years in business
The Gaeia Partnership, founded by Brigid Benson and based in Didsbury, Manchester, is celebrating 20 years of trading with an Open Eveningon Thursday 1 July at 6pm.
Brigid, who is delighted that she’s been involved in the financial sector for over 20 years, demonstrates that Gaeia’s ethical and fairtrade approach to business extends to the office re-fit, which is timed to coincide with the birthday celebrations.
“I’ve been managing clients’ financial affairs through changing circumstances for many years and it’s always been my personal belief that you can run a successful business by adopting ethical and fair trade principals. And our office re-fit is no exception. We’ve used products that are sustainable, long-lasting and have minimal environmental impact, from insulation fabrics for the roof, through to environmentally friendly paints and the fabulous South African natural fibre sisal carpet.” says Brigid.
It turns out that The Gaeia Partnership is in very good company in choosing the sisal carpet, because the Archbishop of York has also invested in the same eco flooring for his Diocesan office and residence.
Sisal is grown without pesticides or herbicides, on land which would be unsuitable for any other crops. Gaeia have used Heaton Chapel-based Natural Floors NW Ltd to source the carpeting. They have a personal relationship with the South African company Rebtex who supply the flooring, which has become a real alternative to the synthetic and PVC products that have polluted the market for so many years.
”Rebtex are particularly proud of their educational work with both children and adults in the Seshego township, where they are based in the northern part of SouthAfrica” explains Brigid “They believe that their products can have a positive effect both locally and globally. I’m particularly keen on the South African connection because one of our new investments includes a social housing schemein South Africa.”
Brigid, who is backed by a strong team of advisers and administrators, including Olivia Bowen and Helen Tandy – an impressive total of over 50 years’ experience and knowledge in financial services between them - also knows that using sustainable, eco-friendly products makes sound business sense.
“We’ll have more natural light, we minimise ‘sick building’ syndrome and our colleagues also benefit from the improved working environment. We’ve chosen our ref-fit products with thesame care and attention that we apply to giving financial advice: dependable, long-termwith an ethical focus. Ethical funds are no longer viewed as a gimmick and record sums, now totalling over £9.5bn, were recorded last year in the UK. Ihope the office furnishings prove as reliable and long-lasting.” she adds.
Clients old and new as well as local businesses are invitedto come and meet Brigid and her dedicated team on Thursday 1 July at their Didsbury office (829Wilmslow Road Didsbury Manchester M20 5WD). Locally sourced, organic bread and cheese andfair trade wine will be served. If you’dlike to attend please contact Caroline or Shena on 0161 434 4681 or email events@gaeia.co.uk.
The Gaeia Partnership | Email event contact | Didsbury | Finance
