I am Patricia Knight and Roma Trading will be a Community interest Company working in the following areas: Consultancy re: Roma and Traveller issues – locally and potentially nationally Sustainable trading of Roma products nationally and internationally through the development of an E Shop commissioning, buying and selling Romany products Development of specific projects aiming to promote the interest of Romany people in Sussex and in the UK During the last two years I have worked on a sessional and voluntary basis on a number of local projects relating to Romany travellers and their situation in Sussex. This included Work with the Family Friends and Travellers Women’s Health group – leading the development of an integrated health pack for Romany families Undertaking the Change Up survey ( GOSE)  with traveller groups in East Sussex -working with Sompriti – culminating in the organisation of a celebratory event for the Romany community Consultancy and media work – including: working with the BBC to co-ordinate the involvement of Gypsy and Traveller contributors to a Food programme special; contributing to the “Sticks and Stones “ video commissioned by East Sussex Traveller Education; speaking on local radio for example promoting the FFT Health project. Engagement in local planning forums e.g. the Local Authority led Gypsy and Traveller Forum. School based education sessions organised by FFT and CCDN Underpinning this is the centrality of engagement work with the local Romany community – which I have successfully undertaken. I come from a Romany background, University educated, and I am a qualified and experienced social worker – specialising both in mental health, development work, and in work with children and families. This combination of heritage and professional experience gives me a unique and valuable range of skills and knowledge that I have been able to draw on in working with local organisations to develop and deliver local projects and initiatives. Strong links are already established with the Romany community in East Sussex and these will be maintained and developed within the context of ongoing and new development work and project work – including the potential for sustainable trade. Celebrating Cultural Diversity Network LEGI Pilot has helped to focus my existing ideas and to identify training needs that will further enhance my ability to deliver this project with success. I have committed to undertaking an ITQ Training course and I am applying to be considered for the £750 Start Up Grant in order to   Purchase IT equipment e.g. computer, printer   establishing legal framework for the company Commissioning design of website, and marketing materials.