Namaste was inspired by a journey through India in 1995 on reconditioned ex-Indian Army Enfield Bullet motorbikes.  In search of some adventure, founder Sam Brummitt, his sister and her partner flew off to Kathmandu with a round-the-world ticket. After an inspirational trek to Mount Everest base camp in the wake of the worst storms for a generation, they travelled overland to India for a quick visit that turned into a six-month adventure.

Sleeping under the stars most nights by the side of the road, they quickly developed a passion for this most amazing sub-continent and especially the warm, friendly and hospitable people they met. One day in Rajasthan, they got into conversation with the owner of a small textile business who suggested they went back home to England and started a business. Today Ganpat is a life-long friend and is still one of Namaste’s key suppliers.

Lives were changed by this chance encounter and a business was started which was named Namaste after the greeting which was so often extended to them. Some say it simply means “Hello,” but a better translation, perhaps, is:  “I greet the spirit within you.”

At the core of Namaste are its suppliers with whom the company works very closely. Namaste's criteria for classing them as fair trade producers and hence suitable business partners are based on international fair trade guidelines.

The philosophy is simple: fantastic, ethically-sourced and yet commercially-viable products to maximise sales and therefore maximise benefits to both Namaste's suppliers and customers.

Namaste supports EBT through fundraising, sponsorship and on specific projects such as Himalayan Mosaics - beautiful mosaics made by rescued former circus girls. Namaste will soon be selling these mosaics on its website.

You can find out more about Namaste and its range of products at www.namaste-uk.com