Co-operating for Climate Action & Remarkable colleagues
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Published 14 Jun 2024 in Phil's blog
As part of the Great Big Green Week celebrations, this week we joined other co-operatives from across the UK in signing a joint letter to political leaders calling for sustainability and the move to net-zero to become a priority of any new government. The letter which includes five specific policies, will aim to allow us as co-operatives to reach our full potential in sustainability targets. So, with the General Election on the horizon, we hope this campaign for change helps as we continue to prioritise our sustainability goals and objectives. If you would like to find out more about what we have done over the past year to help us reach our sustainability targets, read our Climate impact report here. A thank you to all colleagues who have helped contribute to our sustainability success so far.
35 year long service – Sarah Clough from Beeston Travel & Mark Taylor, Head of Operations in Food retires
I have been out and about this week and on Wednesday, I visited our Beeston travel branch to present the Manager, Sarah Clough, with her 35-year service award. Sarah has been at the Beeston travel branch for 20 years and knows all of her customers well. She is a big fan of Ibiza but the quiet side of the island and not the party side!
Celebrating 35 years of service - Sarah Clough, Beeston Travel (centre) along with Exec member Sara Dunham, Chief Officer National Businesses and members of the Travel team
Staying on the topic of remarkable colleagues, today we say goodbye to Mark Taylor, Head of Food Operations, as he retires after 40 years’ service with the Society. Mark has been a fantastic servant to the Society and has had a huge impact on many colleagues and their careers as they have progressed under his guidance and support. Mark was a great support to me personally when I first joined the Society 9 years ago and has continued to demonstrate absolute commitment and a positive approach to work throughout. It has been my pleasure to work with Mark and enjoy his unique sense of humour! We wish him well!
40 years long service - Mark Taylor (centre with a hamper) along with members of the Senior Food team
Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) – Board Meeting
On Thursday morning I attended the Association of Convenience Stores Board meeting in London where the main topic of conversation was the upcoming general election and how a change in Government might affect our businesses in the short, medium and longer term.
Co-op Congress begins
It’s the start of Co-op Congress today hosted by Co-ops UK. A key date in the co-operative calendar, the congress this year focuses on how co-ops can build a fairer economy. Something aligned very closely with our purpose, we will have 16 members of the Society there including the Board, MEC, SLT members & Thrive colleagues. Michaela Cryar from Younity will also be speaking on how community solar panels influence climate emergencies. I’ll share more next week on how the congress went.
Society Election Nominations are now open
This week marks the start of our own Society Elections season with nominations now open. A chance to help contribute towards a more ethical and sustainable future, all members can put themselves forward by nominating to stand for either the Board of Directors or the Member Engagement Committee. If you would like to find out more click here. Nominations will close 5pm on 15th July.
Euro 2024 & Father's Day this weekend
Finally, it’s the start of the men’s Euro 2024 held in Germany. Hoping to go one better than a few years ago, good luck to both home nation representatives, England and Scotland. It’s also Father's Day, for those who are celebrating it on Sunday, I wish you a Happy Father’s Day.
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