35% Member trade in Food achieved & Areley Kings launches
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Published 24 Nov 2023 in Phil's blog
I am glad to announce we have now achieved our year-end target of 35% Membership participation in Food!
Beginning the year at just over 26%, and to do it with 8 weeks to spare, is a credit to everyone. Our central support colleagues have worked really hard to deliver the proposition that has made membership more valuable as well as the technology to make it easy. Importantly, colleagues in-store have played their part by reminding members to use their cards and encouraging customers to become members. So let’s keep pushing this message over the festive period when trade will increase further. A tremendous effort from everyone involved, it is a fantastic example of Doing Good Together. An early Christmas present – let’s keep going!
Here are a few of our store teams celebrating the achievement…
Abingdon Food
Bewdley Food
Botley Food
Colleagues at Albrighton Food
District 2 celebrating at the Manager's meeting this week
District 5 Manager's meeting
Fairford Leys Food
Twigworth Food
Wem Food
Areley King Food store launches
Staying on the topic of Food, this week saw the launch of Areley Kings Food store in Worcestershire with a £200,000 Society investment. Dating back to the store’s original owner, Jim Perry, the store has a rich history in the community which will now continue through our ownership.
Jim’s story really encompasses how we plan to keep on making a difference in the Stourport community. He dedicated his life to serving the community, eventually realising his dream of a purpose-designed village store almost 50 years later. Jim, who passed away in July 2020, will be remembered with a special plaque dedicated to his memory that has been installed on the storefront.
Aside from a refreshed store layout including our fantastic own-brand products, it will offer members and customers soft plastic recycling, Food bank drop-offs as well an on-site Post office for the local community. Good luck to the team and Store Manager, Dean Pulpett. Let’s help continue Jim’s legacy and keep serving our local communities by doing good together.
Government Autumn Statement
As outlined by the Chancellor this week, let’s hope the announcements relating to National Insurance and the National Living wage go some way to easing the cost of living financial strain on households this coming year. While the business-related aspects of the statement were largely as anticipated, I would have liked to have seen some additional measures to offset some of the increases we will see in costs next year. Striking a balance between addressing the needs of households and providing additional support for businesses is crucial, so I look forward to future developments that address these concerns and foster a resilient economic landscape.
Our partners commended in The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service (KAVS)
Finally, it was really pleasing to hear a number of our charity and community partners commended in The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service (KAVS). Awarded directly from His Royal Highness King Charles, it is the equivalent of an MBE and currently the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK. A big well done to our community partners; Warwickshire Search & Rescue, Wolverhampton Samaritans, South Shropshire Engineering Ambassadors, Whitefriars Sailability Group and Alz Café who sent me this personal message:
“The Midcounties Co-operative have been instrumental in us receiving this award, probably without realising it – the fact you have been and are supporting us has gone a long way in helping with this recognition. Thank you again for all your support, Julie Grainger”
Another brilliant example of Doing good together, I would like to give a thank you to the community team and our colleagues who give their volunteering hours to make a real difference in our communities.
Colleagues supporting the Alz Cafe fundraiser a few weeks ago
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