Southmoor Food Store Launch, Co-op Futures & Post Office Conference

Southmoor Your Co-op Food store launch

Yesterday I attended the launch of our fantastic new Your Co-op Food store at Southmoor, just south of Oxford. It was really gratifying to see so many people queuing around the block for the opening, our 100 golden prize tickets went in just 5 minutes! As well as prizes and lots of opening offers our in-store chef from Chipping Norton was on hand to demonstrate our renowned, COOK frozen range.

The COOK meal ranges instore which have sustainably sourced ingredients and are not processed

The store has a ‘food market’ feel and stocks over 260 locally sourced fresh products from the Best of our Counties. The range is really impressive and includes producers from Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire such as Oxford Cheese Company, Mudwalls Farm, Hobbs House Bakery, Todenham Manor Farm and Jess’s Ladies dairy farm.

 

We have invested over £620,000 in developing the store and it has created 15 new jobs, a welcome boost to the local economy. Members shopping at Southmoor can get a free hot drink or sample the latest tipple at the in-store ‘gin bar’ including local award-winning Cotswolds Distillery Gin! In line with our commitment to sustainability, the store has plastic waste recycling bins, compostable carrier bags and energy-efficient fridges. Shoppers will also be encouraged to participate in our ‘1Change’ campaign to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. To show our support for the local community we presented the local village hall with a cheque for £500. 

 

Post Office Conference

On Monday our Post Office team held their annual conference with all the main managers attending. They celebrated a record profit for the Post Office for the last year and communicated the key objectives for the year ahead with presentations on, Big Rocks, Social Responsibility, HR, sales, Kronos and an update from Post Office Ltd. The day finished with the much anticipated and keenly contested Post Office Awards. I would like to congratulate all the worthy winners:

• Zoe Thompson (Abingdon) & Helen Massey (Blakeley) – 2019 Christmas Branch of Excellence Award Winners                                                                                                                                       

• Louisa Rundle (Stourport) & Sharon Hyland (Oakengates) – 2019 Team of the Year Winners

• Altaz Ladhani (Headington) & Julie Massey (Radbrook Green) – 2019 Manager of the Year Winners

• Shaunie Griffin (Highworth) & Amanda Walkley (Trench) – 2019 Most Improved Branch Winners

• Altaz Ladhani (Headington) & Karen Wright (Hednesford) – 2019 Community Branch of the Year Winners

• Marianne Roper & Sue Spicer – Fantastic Achievement Award Winners

I am pleased to report that the Post Office have had a great year beating budget and last year’s figures by a large margin. So, I wanted to thank all the Post Office store teams and especially Sue Spicer and Marianne Roper for all their hard work.

 

Co-op Futures conference

Co-op Futures are celebrating their 20^th anniversary with a conference aimed at people in their 20's called ‘20/20 vision - The Co-operative Future in Focus.’ The conference starts tonight with a look back over the last 20 years and continues on Saturday when members will focus on the next 20 years. The discussion will address the big challenges facing society as well as the opportunities from climate change and changing consumer habits to artificial intelligence and technological development. Midcounties will be represented at the conference by our Apprentice James Eales who works in the membership team. Just like our Young Co-operators Network, Co-op Futures is all about inspiring the next generation of co-operators. So, I am proud to say that Midcounties has helped to fund Co-op Futures since its inception with members voting each year at our AGM to support them. For more information on the conference click here.

 

Colleague Pulse Survey

I just wanted to remind you all that Clare Moore, our Chief HR Officer, has launched the Colleague Pulse Survey so you can give your views on current and possible future colleague rewards and our wellbeing programme. As in previous surveys, all your answers will be completely confidential. The survey should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete and the deadline is Monday 24th February. It will be live on Monday 10^th February on Colleagues Connect, so please take the time to complete the questions as honestly and openly as you can.

 

Community Funding

I am sure you know of community groups or charities in your local area who would benefit from a grant of up to £2000! If so, please do encourage them to apply to the Community Fund. The latest round of our Community Fund opened on 3rd February and it runs until 28th February. Please click here for details.

 

Time to Talk

Yesterday we launched our mental health initiative called Time to Talk. I want everyone who works at Midcounties Co-operative to feel they can be open and honest about their mental health and ask for support if they need it. So please take the time to read what we’re doing about mental health and find out about the help and advice that is available. To find out more about Time to Talk click here.

 

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