Colleague News 23.06
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 23 Jun 2026 in Colleagues
In today’s issue of Colleague News, we mark the start of Co-op Fortnight 2026, celebrating how co-operatives can change the world through collaboration and shared values.
We also explore how co-operative collaboration is delivering over £30 million in annual savings for independent societies across the UK through joint procurement and energy initiatives.
Co-op Fortnight 2026: Co-operate and we can change the world
Today marks the beginning of Co-op Fortnight 2026, two weeks dedicated to celebrating what makes co-operatives different and the positive impact we create together.
Running from 22nd June to 5th July, this year's theme is "Co-operate and we can change the world." It's a simple but powerful message that captures the spirit of the global co-operative movement and the role each of us plays in building stronger communities.
At OurCoop, Co-op Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate not only our members and colleagues, but also something that makes us truly unique – our Family of Businesses.
One co-op, supporting life's important moments
Unlike many organisations, OurCoop supports people through some of life's most important moments.
From our food stores and Little Pioneers to holidays, connectivity, renewable energy and bereavement support, our businesses make a positive difference every day.
While each business serves a different purpose, they are united by the same co-operative values and commitment to putting people before profit.
A Beautiful Idea
This year's Co-op Fortnight theme is inspired by This Beautiful Idea, a poem written and performed by Tony Walsh and originally commissioned by Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival.
The poem celebrates the power of co-operation, community and collective action, reminding us that we achieve more when we work together than when we work alone.
Hear the poem here
Owned by our members
As Co-operatives UK puts it: "When you join a co-operative, you join a global movement that's building a better world." Their short film, Owned by our Members, highlights how co-operatives create positive change by giving people a voice, sharing value fairly and working together for common goals. Watch it below...
Celebrating Co-op Fortnight
Throughout Co-op Fortnight we'll be sharing stories from across OurCoop, celebrating our members and colleagues, and showcasing the many ways co-operation helps create stronger communities – so watch this space!
Co-op collab delivers £30million savings across Independent Societies
Independent co-operative societies across the UK are now saving more than £30 million every year through a collaborative procurement and energy management programme, delivering nearly £198 million of jointly managed contracts over the past three years.
Led by our very-own OurCoop Procurement Team, the consortium of Independent Society Members (ISMs) has reached its third anniversary by achieving a milestone that demonstrates the commercial power of co-operatives working together - combining their expertise, scale and buying power to reduce costs, manage risk and improve sustainability.
The programme has brought together co-operatives of all sizes from across the UK to collaborate on a series of strategic initiatives, including:
- A Wind Power Purchase Agreement involving five co-operative societies
- Standardisation of refrigeration systems across six societies
- Collaboration on strategic retail technology platforms
- Joint facilities management projects
- Energy management programmes
- Solar energy solutions
- Shared procurement agreements across a wide range of operational categories
Paul Lockwood, Head of Procurement and Net Zero at OurCoop, said: "This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when co-operatives choose to work together. Over the last three years, colleagues from across the ISM network have shared expertise, challenged traditional approaches and combined their collective scale to deliver significant value for their societies and members.
"These savings are helping co-operatives strengthen their businesses, invest in their communities and build greater resilience for the future. Whether large or small, every participating society has played a role in making this programme a success. The results show that by working together we can achieve outcomes that would be difficult to deliver alone."