supporting local business
Where possible, thecitysecret uses local businesses when purchasing equipment or supplies. All our books are bought in the local bookshop (rather than on-line at Amazon) and our enviromnentally-friendly cleaning products are bought from a specialist shop in the town.

In addition if it's possible, we will use a local business over a national chain. Obviously, there are times when we need to use mail-order and larger suppliers but using the local businesses first enables us to build up a relationship with them to our mutual benefit.

fairtrade
thecitysecret is a successful business and we would like to support people who want to create successful businesses in their own areas. By buying fair trade products (such as the tea, coffee and sugar for all staff) we are trying to ensure that the growers and direct producers of these products are given a chance to lead a dignified life.

Richmond is moving towards gaining Fair Trade Town status, and thecitysecret promotion of fairtrade products has recognised as a small step in that direction.

In addition to the fair trade products, we recognise that British producers sometimes get a raw deal from the supermarkets. So we buy all our milk directly from a local organic dairy (which also cuts down on the food miles involved). When we have a get-together in the office, the beer we drink comes from a local brewery too (some local businesses are easy to support...)