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University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

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pension schemes and financing loans. Due to the activities <strong>of</strong> Pachacuti, traditional<br />

skills are being preserved, endorsing the rich textile heritage <strong>of</strong> the Andes.<br />

Business Skills<br />

823<br />

Having given up her PhD to concentrate on business development Carry was inspired<br />

by the difference she was making. However there were setbacks including losing<br />

money to an armed robber! Despite such difficulties Pachacuti can now boast a retail<br />

outlet and website and wholesale businesses supplying around 200 retailers globally.<br />

The business continues to pioneer, and "is the first Fair Trade organisation to<br />

complete the new World Fair Trade organisation certification process.” This new<br />

label provides “an externally audited guarantee <strong>of</strong> adherence to Fair Trade and<br />

environmental principles in every aspect <strong>of</strong> business transactions."<br />

(http://shop.pachacuti.co.uk/about-us-1-w.asp.)<br />

Barriers and success<br />

Somers has already had considerable success including winning a number <strong>of</strong> awards.<br />

Significantly they include “Entrepreneur with a Conscience 2008” and “British Small<br />

Business Champions Ethical Award 2007.” Presumably the greatest success however,<br />

is her own claim that, "Pachacuti shows that in a world <strong>of</strong> mass-produced clothing,<br />

people can wear individual, stylish garments which have been created by hand using<br />

traditional skills, with respect for the environment and ensuring that the producers<br />

receive a living wage." http://shop.pachacuti.co.uk/about-us-1-w.asp<br />

EcoCabin<br />

Ecocabin is described as “environmentally-responsible self catering in the Shropshire<br />

hills 8 .” It is essentially a sophisticated log cabin within the footprint <strong>of</strong> a mobile<br />

home, which is eco in its every aspect. All were exhaustively researched by Kate<br />

Grubb, the ecopreneur who sees the “Ecocabin experience” as an opportunity to<br />

“educate” people into living in a more eco-friendly way. Thus the cabin includes a<br />

wormery or two; composting sites; recycling opportunities and very constrained<br />

waste facilities; an eco-friendly washing machine; solar water power; a state <strong>of</strong> the<br />

art woodchip burning stove; an eco-provisioned honesty shop and even eco décor!<br />

Ecocabin is striking as soon as you see it as a thing <strong>of</strong> natural beauty, an impression<br />

which is reinforced as you feel the spiritual sense <strong>of</strong> peace within.<br />

8 All direct quotes are taken from original research carried out by the author.

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