Funeralcare Update, Travel Changes & Black History Month

As discussed in my blog back in June, I’m pleased to say that we have been informed last weekend that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have now approved the transfer of 52 of our 67 funeral sites along with 12 colleagues that offer Funeral support to the Central England funeral operations. Following this, we are now working towards a likely completion date of the beginning of November and will be working closely with Central England Co-op to ensure a smooth transition of these sites for our colleagues – as well as our members and customers.

As I’ve noted before, this decision to exit funeral services has been done so with the long-term interests of our Society at the heart. We are continuing to invest in growing our other businesses with 7 new food stores & a brand new childcare nursery already open this year. We operate unique co-operative businesses in Travel, Childcare, Healthcare and Utilities; businesses key to our members in their day to day lives and developing in these areas whilst strengthening our food business is vitally important for our Society and the wider Co-operative movement.

I am enormously proud and thankful for the commitment of our Funeralcare colleagues, particularly during the last year when they have shown remarkable strength and versatility to support the bereaved in such challenging times. I also know that Mark Adams supported by our HR team will help and support all our colleagues in a way that is fully in keeping with our values as a co-operative Society. 

Travel Traffic light changes and Covid Travel Test Kits available

With the travel traffic light system now replaced by a single red list of 7 countries, we finally have much-simplified Government travel measures from 11^th October.

This is an important step in our journey to normality, as the change has already seen even greater customer confidence in Travel bookings. With more of us getting out and about and planning for our future travels, this week there has been an uplift in new sales of +27% compared to last week within our Retail shops (+13% overall Travel Group).

Testing requirements have also been reduced for eligible fully vaccinated travellers, so now there is no need to take a pre-departure lateral flow test when travelling back to England from the beginning of the week. Our Healthcare group continue to offer a broad range of Covid Test kits and to date have sold over 53,000 from our Healthcare hub in Walsall alone, which is fantastic news.

The success is down to our fair pricing approach and easy to understand information on the website and helpful tips from our Travel colleagues in branch. Designed to save time and money, if any colleagues are considering travelling and are unsure about which tests are right for them or need any general advice click here or email HealthCare.CustomerServices@midcounties.coop for more information.

We are expecting some more positive travel news when the next red list changes occur on 28^th October.

October is Black History Month

The month of October is Black History Month - the annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of black people in the UK. As a Society we want to help raise awareness by encouraging colleagues to share their stories to embraceworkinggroup@midcounties.coop. Many topics are discussed throughout the month, but we are focusing on “what you’re Proud To Be”, “your experience within the local community” and “what it’s like being an ethnic minority working for Your Co-op”. So please share this with your colleagues and if you are yet to read the story on Colleagues Connect click here. Have a look out for our first colleague story from Jo Soor on the Windrush Generation next week on Colleagues Connect.

London Marathon – Well done to the runners

A huge well done and congratulations to our London Marathon runners this year, Peter Lockey, Kelly-Marie Mason, Stuart Newman, Rupert Newman and Toby Moy. Smashing their target of £10,000 for The Outward Bound Trust charity, their hard work and donations received will ensure that we continue to support young people overcome life challenges by learning through outdoor adventure. They sent in this thank you for our runners, “We can’t tell you how much your participation in the London Marathon means to The Outward Bound Trust. It’s been a challenging time for the charity since the pandemic has started, but thanks to your incredible commitment and support, this will allow us to continue funding and transforming the lives of the young people we work with outdoors on our residential courses. A massive well done and thank you – we are so grateful here at The Outward Bound Trust.”