New co-operative society formed through three-way merger

A new co-operative society named OurCoop has officially been launched following the merger of Central Co-op, Midcounties and Chelmsford Star, and manages more than 500 food stores alongside funeralcare, travel, childcare and utility businesses across the UK.

The society serves more than one million members and employs 13,000 colleagues. It will operate under the global Co-op marque to support long-term growth. 

According to management, the merger provides a stronger platform to compete while remaining entirely member-owned.

The business generates surpluses through trading which are reinvested to reward members and support local causes. The society is also introducing a rewards programme to provide incentives across its various sectors, including funeral services and essential retail.

Elaine Dean, president at Central Society, said: “The launch of our new society is an historic moment for the co-operative movement. OurCoop reflects what makes co-operatives so different and so powerful: by working together and participating, we can create a meaningful difference.”

Debbie Robinson, chief executive of Central England Co-op, said: “Our new society brings together co-operative businesses that support people through everyday life and life’s bigger moments – from feeding families and caring for children, to keeping the lights on, helping people travel and supporting them through difficult times.

“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.”

She added: “That’s the power of co-operation – a system where participation creates benefit and the more members participate and trade with us, the greater the impact we can have together.”