RugMark is grateful to all its licensed importers for their support and dedication over the years. Between 2001 and end 2006, UK importers generated in excess of £138,000 to be spent on rehabilitation, education and welfare projects in India. From 2007, the licence fees collected have also started to raise money for projects in Nepal.

Hand Made Carpets is the second biggest importer of rugs in the UK. Handmade also distribute and wholesales rugs from China, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belgium. Hand Made's relationship with their suppliers go far beyond the usual business relationship. They have built, and fund a girls' schools in the traditional rug making district of India, schooling 1200 girls, and run a dispensary project in Pakistan.

It has been a very hectic year for Hand Made, as Paul Walker, Managing Director and RugMark Board member explains: "Regarding our own school project, It has been a very hectic year as we have constructed 5 new classrooms and installed a generator and battery to power lights and fans in all the classrooms.

Also we have set up a computer room with 5 workstations, and taken on new staff to train the pupils in computers. We have created a website for the school, and hope that we can open lines of communication to people who are interested.

All of this was possible as we raised Approx £30,000 from independent donations last year, and it looks as though we will secure another £9000 before the year end. This has been earmarked for more classrooms, vocational training equipment such as sewing machines, more computers and the addition of sports equipment and playground equipment."