Co-op Retail Conference & Leading on Early Education
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Published 29 Mar 2024 in Phil's blog
Co-op Retail Conference
Earlier this month members of our Board as well as some colleagues joined me at the annual Co-operative Retail Conference, hosted by Co-operatives UK. The event gives an opportunity for elected members and colleagues from all retail co-ops to come together to discuss common opportunities & initiatives in a spirit of co-operation.
Joining a panel session alongside fellow Co-op CEO's
The event covered many subjects of interest to us, including a broad overview of the UK grocery market presented by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD); as well as sessions of Diversity, Retail Crime and Artificial Intelligence.
I took part in a panel session with the CEO’s of the Co-op Group, Lincoln and Central Co-op, and spoke about the many examples of collaboration amongst Co-ops I’ve seen recently. One of the main examples is how we’ve come together as one movement, including our partners in the Co-op Party and Usdaw, to work together to tackle retail crime.
Mike Pickering, Head of Sustainability presenting on our Sustainable Impact
I was also really pleased to see Mike Pickering, Head of Sustainability, present and be part of a panel around Sustainable Impact. Mike spoke about how we put sustainability at the heart of everything we do, and reminded the audience it was a key part of our TRUST pillars supporting our purpose statement. He also highlighted the achievements we’ve all been part of over the last year, including reducing our energy consumption by 11%, as well as significantly reducing food waste. Keeping with the theme of the conference, Mike also illustrated how we continue to work closely with other Co-ops to share best practice.
I’ve mentioned in a previous blog how some colleagues are part of a ‘Thrive’ group – part of our work to build an environment where we are developing colleagues to realise their potential and improve internal succession. That includes opportunities to attend conferences and networking events. Chris Chandler, Head of Store Support and part of that Thrive group, attended the conference for the first time and it was good to hear how valuable he found it.
Royal Foundation event - Early Education and Care Roundtable
Earlier this week, Bethany Patrick (Acting Chief Operating Officer for Childcare) and I participated in a Royal Foundation roundtable focusing on how businesses can support the early years sector. We discussed challenges including funding, support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aiding children in poverty and staffing shortages, while also sharing insights on how businesses can contribute more to the sector.
Central to our conversations was the critical role of early education in shaping lifelong learning and ultimately a brighter future. By investing in children's early development, we not only foster individual growth but also strengthen our society as a whole. Collaboration between stakeholders and businesses is essential to overcoming these challenges and will empower every child to fulfil their potential. I look forward to championing our beliefs at more forums like these.
Whilst in London for the Royal Foundation roundtable, I took the opportunity with Bethany to visit our Islington Nursery. Meeting with Deputy Manager, Davina Mathurin and the team there, we had a tour of the nursery to hear how they are developing children and creating an environment to support them in their early years. They are a great team and I was really impressed with the work they are doing.
Visiting Islington Nursery - with Davina Mathurin, Deputy Manager and Bethany Patrick, Acting Chief Operating Officer
Retail Workers Amendment – over 13,000 letters sent to MPs
Following the call for action in rising Retail crime, last month we asked Members and colleagues to write to their local MP reinforcing to them the need for action. Well, I am pleased to say that over 13,000 letters have now been sent to local MPs for change. With the forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in May, it will be a key issue high up the agenda that sees increased protection for our colleagues and retail workers across the country. A thank you to all the members and colleagues who took part in the campaign.
Happy Easter…
Finally, this weekend sees the beginning of Spring, bringing brighter and longer days to enjoy with the clocks going forward. In time for the Bank holiday, remember to take advantage of your 20% colleague discount on our excellent Food offers here when you are out buying your Easter essentials and treats in-store. Happy Easter!
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