Colleague News 25.08
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Published 25 Aug 2026 in Colleagues
Welcome to this week’s issue of Colleague News – your round-up of the latest updates from across our Society.
This week's edition includes: a personal thank-you from our CEO, Debbie Robinson to our Stourbridge colleagues, a renewed partnership with Leamington FC, a reminder to nominate your Colleague of the Month, and celebrations for Raksha Bandhan.
A heartfelt thank you to our Stourbridge colleagues - a message from our CEO, Debbie Robinson.
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting our FoodCoop store in Stourbridge and seeing first-hand the incredible work of the team.
Our colleagues support their community every day, but their response during the recent wildfires, which were such an awful experience for the town, was truly exceptional.
I would like to personally thank every colleague for the time, care and compassion they showed, both to one another and to our members, customers and local residents. The team made me feel incredibly welcome, and it was wonderful to spend time with them and hear more about the important role they play in their community.
It was a busy week in which I also spent time with colleagues across several other parts of our family of businesses, including Leckhampton, Cheltenham and Oxford Wholefoods. Each conversation gave me a valuable opportunity to learn more about their work and hear directly about what matters to them.
Alongside this, I chaired meetings with EuroCoop, in my role as President, and the Fund for International Development, as well as attending a meeting with the British Retail Consortium. These conversations enable OurCoop to contribute to important discussions affecting co-operatives, retail and the communities we serve.
I came away with so many positive experiences and examples of the brilliant work taking place across OurCoop, which I look forward to sharing with you over the coming weeks.
Best wishes,
Debbie
OurCoop and Leamington FC extend community partnership
We are proud to be strengthening our long-standing relationship with Leamington Football Club, with a new three-year agreement to support the continued growth of the club’s Community Scheme.
The partnership, which began in 2015, is built on a shared commitment to creating positive opportunities for local people through the power of sport. Through the renewed agreement, we will continue supporting a wide range of community initiatives focused on sports participation, education, health awareness and social inclusion, helping more people of all ages and abilities get active, connect with others and improve their wellbeing.
The announcement comes at an exciting time, following the recent relocation of one of our support centres to Leamington Spa, further strengthening our connection with the local community. It also marks a new chapter for the football club, with its ground now renamed the OurCoop Community Stadium, reflecting the formation of OurCoop earlier this year.
Mike Pickering, Head of Sustainability, shared: “We’re delighted to continue working alongside Leamington FC for another three years and to build on our long-lasting relationship. As a co-operative, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve and creating a positive lasting difference.”
We look forward to seeing the Community Scheme continue to grow over the coming years, creating even more opportunities for local people to enjoy the benefits of sport and be part of a thriving community.
Nominations for August’s Colleague of the Month close on 28 August
Take a moment to celebrate the colleagues who’ve made a real impact this August.
Whether they’ve contributed to our integration work, increased cross-trade across OurCoop or delivered exceptional service, now’s the time to give them the recognition they deserve.
Let’s finish summer on a high and head into autumn celebrating our amazing colleagues.
Nominate a colleague here.
Happy Raksha Bandhan!
We want to wish all colleagues celebrating Raksha Bandhan this Friday, 28 August, a joyful and meaningful day.
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the special bonds between siblings, families and loved ones. Today, many people mark the occasion by exchanging rakhis (decorative threads) with siblings, cousins, friends and others who share a close, supportive relationship, making it a celebration of mutual care, respect and connection.
Happy Raksha Bandhan to all who are celebrating!
