Refugees from a civil war in Ethiopia have formed an unlikely partnership with a council to launch a fair trade coffee business. Tameside MBC has worked alongside the Church of England, a charity supporting farmers in Third Word countries, and a design agency, to help a group of refugees from a war-torn region in Ethiopia set up their own firm. The Oromo Coffee Company was officially launched in Westminster last week to supply organic coffee to both the public and businesses. Tameside offered mentoring and facilities to the fledgling firm, as well as introductions to local entrepreneurs. The idea was sparked by refugees from the Oromo tribe who had arrived in the Manchester area under a UN resettlement programme and wanted start a business to move out of the benefits trap. A local design company has created logo and packaging designs for free, and the Church Urban Fund has given a grant of £5,000 for office equipment. Joan Ryan, the business mentor provided by the council, said: ‘There's been very little cash but around £20,000 of start-up costs given in kind.'