Why we created the Trust
Since 2011, charitable giving has been an important part of Cotswold Fayre’s values, supporting a wide range of charities and projects in the UK and beyond. This has included five charity balls between 2012 and 2022, which together raised over £125,000, as well as ongoing contributions from the business and its team.
In 2023, this work was formalised through the creation of the Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust (CFCT). The Trust brings greater structure, transparency and accountability to charitable giving, enabling more considered decisions about where funds are directed and how impact is achieved.
As a registered charity (no. 1203229), CFCT also provides a platform for suppliers and partners to support meaningful charitable projects through a share of their profits.
Creating meaningful impact
The Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust exists to support projects that tackle poverty and promote sustainability, creating meaningful and lasting impact.
To date, Cotswold Fayre has donated over £250,000 to charitable causes. Since its formation in 2023, the Trust has supported a growing proportion of this giving, with a focus on relieving poverty, supporting disadvantaged communities, and promoting sustainability and the responsible use of resources.
Our ambition is to continue growing this impact, with a commitment to donate 9% of profits in 2026–27 and 10% in 2027–28.
Where your support goes
The Trust supports a range of carefully selected charity partners, with all projects reviewed and approved by its trustees. Wherever possible, funding is directed towards specific initiatives with a clear outcome and defined funding requirement.
Charities supported so far include:
• Bala Children’s Centre
• Community of Purpose
• Cedarwood Trust
• The Cowshed
• Alternative Angels
Click here for full details of accounts
We receive many requests for support, particularly from organisations facing increasing pressure in challenging economic conditions, and we aim to expand our reach year on year.
How we raise and donate funds
The Trust’s funding is generated through a combination of business contributions, fundraising initiatives and wider stakeholder support.
Funds are raised through contributions from Cotswold Fayre on every customer invoice, direct company donations, matched fundraising and sponsorship by team members, support across both wholesale and retail areas of the business, fundraising events and initiatives, and Employee of the Month recognition, where each winner selects a charity to receive a donation.
We also encourage contributions from suppliers, customers and wider stakeholders, using the Trust as a platform to grow collective impact.
As a registered charity, donations are also tax-efficient. Company donations reduce corporation tax, and Gift Aid can be claimed on eligible donations from individuals.
Supporting our Supplier Conference
The annual Supplier Conference plays an important role in supporting the Trust, bringing together partners to raise funds and awareness.
In February 2025, the conference raised over £19,000, thanks to the generosity and involvement of suppliers, partners and the wider team.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributes to making these events such a success, helping to extend the reach and impact of the Trust.
Our charitable objectives
Central to the mission of the Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust (CFCT) are the principles of poverty relief and promoting greater sustainability. These objectives guide how the Trust selects and supports projects, building on over £250,000 of charitable donations to date.
As set out on the Charity Commission website:
The object of the CIO is to advance, for the public benefit, such charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the charity trustees see fit from time to time, in particular but not limited to:
(a) the promotion of sustainable development anywhere in the world for the benefit of the public by:
- (i) the preservation, conservation and the protection of the environment and the prudent use of resources;
- (ii) the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and economically disadvantaged communities;
- (iii) the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration; and
(b) the advancement of the education of the public in subjects relating to sustainable development and the protection, enhancement and rehabilitation of the environment and the promotion of study and research in such subjects provided that the useful results of such study are disseminated to the public at large.
This framework ensures that all funding decisions are aligned with clear charitable objectives and deliver meaningful, measurable impact.
How the Trust is governed
The Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust is overseen by a group of trustees who ensure all funds are distributed responsibly and in line with its mission.
In line with Charity Commission requirements, the majority of trustees are independent from the business.
The trustees are Paul Hargreaves, CEO of Cotswold Fayre; Geoff Wright, a former supplier through Fentimans who is now retired; and Jackie Blain, a bookkeeper working in FMCG.
All charities and projects are carefully vetted by the trustees, with a focus on transparency, accountability and measurable impact.
Jackie Blain
Geoff Wright
Paul Hargreaves
Support the Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust
We welcome support from anyone who would like to contribute to the work of the Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust.
You can donate directly via bank transfer:
Account Number: 10197365
Sort Code: 12-24-81
Or via JustGiving:
https://justgiving.com/cotswoldfayrecharitabletrust
Every contribution helps the Trust continue to support meaningful projects and extend its impact further.
Trustees
The Charities Commission require there to be a majority of trustees not connected to the company, so we asked two people who are committed to our aims to become trustees as well as Paul Hargreaves our CEO.
Geoff Wright – a friend of the company and former supplier (Fentimans) now retired.
Jackie Blain – a friend of the company and bookkeeper working in FMCG.
All the charities supported are vetted by the trustees and we generally support specific projects with a fixed amount of money required.
Charities supported so far
· Alternative Angels
Click here for full details of accounts
Charity Objectives
Central to CFCT’s mission are the goals that have guided all of the company’s donations to date, totalling over £250k – namely, poverty relief and promoting greater sustainability.
As seen on the Charities Commission website; The object of the CIO is to advance, for the public benefit, such charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the charity trustees see fit from time to time, in particular but not limited to:
(a) the promotion of sustainable development anywhere in the world for the benefit of the public by:
(i) the preservation, conservation and the protection of the environment and the prudent use of resources;
(ii) the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and economically disadvantaged communities;
(iii) the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration; and
(b) the advancement of the education of the public in subjects relating to sustainable development and the protection, enhancement and rehabilitation of the environment and the promotion of study and research in such subjects provided that the useful results of such study are disseminated to the public at large.
Stakeholder Donations
We receive many requests from charities, many of whom are on the edge of extinction in the difficult times we live in. We aim to continue to increase our giving year by year, but we would also love to use the registered charity status to help raise funds from our suppliers, customers and other stakeholders of Cotswold Fayre.
Remember that all company donations directly reduce corporation tax paid and we are able to claim Gift Aid from donations that come from individuals.
In February 2025, we raised over £19,000 through our supplier conference, which was a fabulous effort, and a big thank you to all who were involved.
To give to Cotswold Fayre Charitable Trust
Bank Account Number: 10197365 | Sort Code: 12-24-81
Just Giving: https://justgiving.com/cotswoldfayrecharitabletrust