Our Future Plans - Q&A with Debbie & Phil

Phil Ponsonby:
Hi everyone. I'm Phil Ponsonby, Chief Executive of The Midcounties Co-operative.

Debbie Robinson:
Hello, I'm Debbie Robinson, the Chief Executive Officer at Central Co-op.

Phil:
Now, we're here today for the very first of our vlogs, where we’ll be answering your questions following the recent announcement by our two societies that we are in advanced discussions about a proposed merger.

Debbie:
I'd like to start by thanking all of you who have taken the time to present your questions. We've had a lot of them! Phil and I have compared them and clustered them, and today we’re hoping to respond to the top six questions that you have asked.

Phil:
So, ready to go?

Debbie:
Can I ask the first question? Is that okay?

Phil:
Yeah, okay, right.

 

Question 1: What does the merger mean to job security across the business, and how will any changes be managed?

Phil:
This was the top question from both societies. We know how it feels during a period of change, but what excites me most about bringing together two great independent co-operative societies is the opportunities it will create for our colleagues.

There will, of course, be some roles that are similar in both societies, but we see technology as a real opportunity to accelerate our development. With an extended family of businesses, there’ll be massive opportunities for cross-marketing, to give better member value, and to improve rewards for our colleagues.

Debbie:
Yeah, for the vast majority of colleagues, this should be really exciting — creating new opportunities. Sure, there are some duplicated roles, like two CEOs and two CFOs, but for most of our colleagues it’s a really positive opportunity.

For both of us and our Boards, a key component of coming together is to make the Society stronger and provide job security, especially for those on the front line who do such an amazing job day in, day out.

Phil:
Exactly. Both societies recognise USDAW as the trade union — really important partners to both organisations. Going forward, any changes will be consulted with USDAW. They’ll continue to be an essential part of the process.

Debbie:
Absolutely. USDAW are our partners, and they’ll play a really important role in helping us through this process and supporting all of our colleagues.

Phil:
The new Society structure hasn’t yet been decided. We’ll need to go through a democratic process and get our members’ agreement. But we promise to keep colleagues informed every step of the way.

Debbie:
Yes, it’s really important to take time to work through everything properly, making sure everyone is consulted and considered throughout. Where colleagues are impacted, we’ll work closely with them.

 

Question 2: What will happen to the support centres?

Debbie:
The second most popular question from both societies was about the support centres. We’re here in Warwick, and not far up the road is the support centre in Lichfield. People want to know where the future support centre will be.

Phil:
Yes, lots of questions on that. Both buildings are great facilities, and we’ve spent time in each other’s offices over the past few months. Importantly, both societies own their buildings, so we have flexibility in our thinking.

No decisions have been made yet about where the support centre will be in the future. This type of change is exciting — it gives us the opportunity to reimagine how and where we work. There’s no rush, and we’ll take time to make the right decision for the long term.

Debbie:
Exactly. We’re lucky to have these assets — they’ll be valuable in the future. We’ve also been working more flexibly in recent years, which is important. What matters most is our commitment to the people doing a great job — they’ll have a secure and bright future in the new Society.

Phil:
Yes, and there’s even the nursery downstairs here to consider. We’ll take all of these factors into account. What’s great is that we have time, options, and our colleagues will be at the heart of all decision-making.

 

Question 3: How will the merger affect colleagues’ terms and conditions?

Debbie:
Another key question was how the proposed merger will affect colleagues’ terms and conditions — things like homeworking, contracts, benefits, and schemes like salary sacrifice. Will everything stay the same or will there be changes?

Phil:
Colleagues’ terms and conditions will not change as a result of the merger. However, we’ll be able to look at the benefits each society offers and create an even better place to work — where colleagues feel valued, appreciated, and respected.

Debbie:
Yes, we should ask colleagues what’s most important to them so they can help shape the new Society for the future.

Phil:
Exactly. In many areas, we’re already aligned, but in others — like discounts or benefits — we’ve taken different approaches. It’ll be great to compare and bring together the best of both.

Debbie:
That’s what’s so exciting — creating a truly special place to work.

 

Question 4: How similar are the cultures and values of the two societies?

Debbie:
Culture is so important — I believe culture can eat strategy for breakfast. People are key to helping us through this process. So, Phil, how similar do you think our cultures and values are?

Phil:
I think they’re very similar. We’ve known each other and worked together for a long time. Both societies share values like fairness, inclusion, community support — and while profits are important, they’re not the only thing that matters.

We both sign up to the core co-operative principles — they’re built into our ways of working. There are subtle differences, but that makes it even more exciting as we bring together the best of both cultures.

Debbie:
Yes, culture should evolve, just like language. At Central Co-op, we’ve co-created our “Difference Maker” culture with over a thousand colleagues. I hope we’ll compare our cultures and co-create a shared future for the new Society.

Phil:
Absolutely — keeping co-operative principles at the heart of decision-making. The founding co-operative principles have served us well for 181 years, and they’ll guide us into the future.

 

Question 5: Will the name or brand change?

Debbie:
Another common question — will the name or brand stay the same?

Phil:
Great question! It shows how much our colleagues care. Both societies already use the International Co-operative Alliance logo, which is great alignment. But we’re creating a new Society, so there will be a new name.

We shouldn’t rush this — it should be a democratic process involving as many colleagues and members as possible, so the name truly represents who we are and serves us well into the future.

Debbie:
Yes, finding a name that reflects our scale, heritage, values, and commitment to community will be an exciting journey. And I’m glad it’s not down to just me!

 

Question 6: What will happen with membership schemes?

Debbie:
The final question is about membership — will the membership schemes be integrated?

Phil:
Yes. On completion, there will no longer be members of Midcounties and members of Central Co-op — they’ll all be members of the new Society, with over a million active members combined.

Over time, we’ll integrate systems so there’s one membership proposition. Both societies have worked hard to grow engagement and membership, and that will continue. Members from each society will gain access to more services and benefits from the other.

Debbie:
Exactly. It’ll be brilliant to use your membership card in any store, and this could pave the way for a single membership platform across all co-operatives. It just makes sense.

We’ve both developed innovative apps and reward systems — for example, our new cash-back feature lets members save or spend as they go. I’ve already saved over £300 for Christmas!

Phil:
Yes, it’s all about bringing the best of both — one unified app, improved engagement, and stronger democracy. But, of course, this merger will only happen if members vote for it.

Debbie:
Absolutely. This is democracy in action — our members have the biggest opportunity to secure the future of a stronger, thriving, and rewarding Society.

 

Phil:
So that’s our first vlog done! We hope this has been helpful. We’ll continue these sessions in the coming weeks to keep you informed as we move towards the proposed merger.

Debbie:
You are members and owners of your co-operative society, and we really want to hear from you. Please keep submitting your questions so that when it comes time to vote, you have everything you need to make the right decision.