June’s Colleague Q&A, Co-op Congress & Celebrating Long Service

If you didn’t get the opportunity this month, please send in your questions for August to your colleague council representative by the 5th of August.

Co-op Congress

Co-op Congress, the annual event that brings together Co-ops & Co-operators from across the UK took place on the 14th & 15th June in Birmingham. The two days were attended by a number of our Elected members and colleagues, with several Midcounties representatives speaking at the event including Vivian Woodell, our Vice-President as well as Michaela Cryar. You can find out about the Younity 'We Have the Power' Sessions that took place at the event here.

Circular Economy Manager, Sam Webb was also in attendance "I thoroughly enjoyed attending my first Coop Congress this year, where I had the privilege of hearing about the incredible work co-ops are doing internationally and sharing best practices." 

Other attendees from Midcounties included two of our Thrive group...

Samantha Price from Childcare, wrote that:

"It was my first time attending the Co-op Congress. It is an enriching experience that leaves you feeling inspired and invigorated. It’s a reminder of the strength and potential of the cooperative movement, and of the incredible things that can be achieved when people work together. Whether you’re a seasoned cooperator or new to the movement, the Co-op Congress offers something for everyone. It’s a testament to the power of community, cooperation, and the shared vision of working towards a better, fairer world. If you haven’t had the chance to attend, I highly recommend it – you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge, new connections, and a renewed passion for cooperation."

And Jordon Clement from Food Retail noted:

“On Friday and Saturday I had the pleasure of going to Co-op Congress where I got to hear of some great successes but also great struggles some of our fellow co-operators are facing. Whether that be a co-operative solution to housing or a co-op friendly SORP for financial reporting. There was lots to be proud of including seeing Midcounties colleagues getting involved in panel discussions on key issues and seeing all the potential there still is out there for our Co-operative network. I’ve left the weekend feeling exited and passionate about what our movement can still give to society and world over.

Those working to build a fairer economy to share ideas, get inspiration and take action. Each year, this event boasts a packed programme with a range of dynamic sessions and eminent speakers covering the topics that co-operators want and need to explore.”

It’s great to hear the contribution our team has made to a really successful event – and how much they have got out of the experience. 

Celebrating Kevin and Mandy’s 40-year long services

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to join two remarkable colleagues; Kevin Arblaster, Abington Post Office Counter Clerk & Mandy Landers, Headington Food Store Team Leader. I had the pleasure of presenting them with their 40-year long service awards. I enjoyed meeting them both and getting to know them better. We had the chance to share some great stories on how the area and industry have changed over the last 40 years – how time flies! Please join me in congratulating both Kevin and Mandy on their incredible long service!

ACS European Store Tour

Finally, I have been in Warsaw, Poland today and yesterday as part of my role as vice-chair on the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) board, joining the ACS European Store Tour. During this tour we have been learning more about how other retailers work, whilst also providing a great networking opportunity on an international scale. I’ll update everyone more on this next week.

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