Welcoming The Co-op Group CEO & Fairtrade Fortnight begins
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Published 3 Mar 2023 in Phil's blog
Meeting Shirine Khoury-Haq – The Co-op Group CEO
On Monday this week I was joined on site visits by the Chief Executive of the Co-operative Group, Shirine Khoury-Haq. A chance to showcase parts of our trading areas, we visited our Food Market at Bourton on the Water, our convenience store at Upper Rissington and our new nursery at Warwick Gates. She was extremely impressed with our different formats and how we are supporting local suppliers in Food.
The Co-operative Group support a number of secondary schools through their academy set up and so it was good to compare and contrast our joint commitments to education and how that starts with the early years across our nursery operations. Later that day, Shirine attended our regular Board meeting to meet with Directors. She gave an update on the progress at the Group with a short question & answer session. There was good discussion on how we can all support the wider Co-operative movement across the UK and the important role the Group has in doing this. A great example of co-operating with different societies, I look forward to working more closely with The Co-op Group on many more future collaborations.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO The Co-op Group and me at Bourton-on-the Water Food Market
A successful 10% Member Discount Day
Last Friday saw the successful trial of our first 10% Member Discount Day. A chance to test & learn across 100 of our Food stores, members & customers received an extra 10% off their shop. Forming an integral part in driving our member trade, our colleagues really got behind the promotion and it showed, with great feedback coming in from members and customers who were motivated to sign up for membership and take advantage of our great offers. Take a look at some of our many Food stores engaging with members and customers during 10% member discount day below.
From the initial results, the campaign attracted 2,500 members and in the 100 stores, member trade was up a fantastic 6 percentage points on the day. A huge well done to all the colleagues who were involved in making this trial such a success and to the Food & marketing teams creating the campaign.
Help us name Project Nautilus – Colleague callout
As I announced in my blog last week, we are excited to be launching a fantastic new app and website to help us work better together and make our working lives easier. As part of this, we are asking all colleagues to get involved and help name the initiative. To take part you can choose from our selection or submit your one of your own. And if your entry is chosen, you could win a £20 voucher in our prize draw. To find out more and submit your entry click here.
The competition closes on Tuesday 14th March, with a winner announced in my blog on Friday 17th March. Good luck!
Climate action for Fairtrade Fortnight and Fairtrade colleague competition
Having supported Fairtrade since 1994, we are proud to continue supporting this incredible cause. With Fairtrade Fortnight running until 12 March, we are focusing on how Fairtrade does the right thing for both people and planet, why it is the gold standard and encouraging people to choose Fairtrade. So, the Future is fair.
Since the start of the Fortnight, our Food stores have put together some wonderful Fairtrade displays, showcasing the wide range of brilliant Fairtrade products we stock, as well as promoting 10% off all Fairtrade products throughout the fortnight. Did you know that Fairtrade is also found in within Fairphones and when you purchase one, it helps create a climate-positive difference?
Across Colleagues Connect and our social media channels, we will also be sharing some inspirational producer stories that demonstrate the positive impact Fairtrade provides to their producers. You can find out more about them and read the exclusive blog on Fairphones here.
Plus, until 9th March, we are running a special colleague Fairtrade hamper competition here. With the winner announced in my blog on 10 March, I encourage you all to choose Fairtrade.
A great member display from Fairford Food
Watford South Oxhey Nursery achieve ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Rating
A huge congratulations to our Watford South Oxhey Nursery who recently achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating in their recent Ofsted inspection. Having met colleague Sarah Dunne from the nursery as part of my Colleague Q&A session back in January, I know how tirelessly their team have worked to enhance their grading from good to outstanding and ensure the children have exceptional learning opportunities.
The nursery helps to incorporate our values within their teachings, which was shared throughout the report, for example, “Children are actively encouraged to be respectful and contribute positively to society. They collect food items for the local food bank and raise funds for many charities. In addition, “They frequently visit a local residential home, where they have wonderful opportunities to engage with the older generation. They begin to learn empathy and become caring, confident children.”
This is just one example of how our Childcare nurseries are fast becoming leaders in providing excellence and quality for our growing little pioneers - Well done!
International Women’s Day webinar – 8th March
Finally, with it being International Women’s Day on 8th March, in partnership with Everymind at Work, there is a special webinar ‘Celebrating Women in Leadership’ between 11-12pm on the day. If you would like to join in click here.
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