OurCoop, the new society formed through the merger of Central Co-op, Midcounties and Chelmsford Star, has launched.
The group is the UK’s largest independent co-operative society, operating more than 500 food stores alongside a range of other services across the UK.
Together, OurCoop represents more than one million members and employs around 13,000 people nationwide.
Commenting as chief executive officer of the new society, Debbie Robinson said: “Our new society brings together co-operative businesses that support people through everyday life and life’s bigger moments.
“By coming together, we can offer our members an even greater breadth of products and services that meet their needs. We have the scale and connection to generate more value through our businesses, reinvest it for the long term and return more of that value to members in ways that matter.”
The merger aimed to create a “stronger platform to invest, compete and support” the long-term growth of co-operative businesses, while remaining “firmly member-owned”, said OurCoop.
It added that bringing together three long-established societies would open up “new opportunities for members, colleagues and suppliers”.
To mark the launch, the society is rolling out a programme of member rewards and incentives across its business.
Elaine Dean, president of OurCoop, described the launch as a “historic moment for the co-operative movement”.
“OurCoop reflects what makes co-operatives so different,” she said. “By working together and participating, we can create a meaningful difference.
”Our unique family of businesses supports Members everyday and throughout their lives, and through our networks our partnerships we can help other co-operatives to flourish as our Society continues to grow.”
Robinson added: “We are building a modern, member-led society with bold ambitions. What matters most now is how we grow our society together, staying true to our beliefs while creating real value for members, colleagues and customers.”
Phil Ponsonby has taken on the role of chief executive for integration at OurCoop.
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