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Co-operative Futures is one of a national network of co-operative development agencies, working together to grow the co-operative economy in the UK. Co-operative development agencies exist to help new and existing co-operatives. Our trading area includes parts of 3 of England’s regions: the south east, the south west and the west midlands. If you are interested in starting a co-operative or a community-owned enterprise or if you are part of an existing enterprise that
needs help, please contact us. If we find you are outside our trading area we will happily put you in touch with your local co-operative development agency who will be pleased to help.
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The Heart of England Co-operative Society’s roots go back to 1832, when nine local men launched a great democratic experiment. They formed the very first co-operative, Lockhurst Lane Industrial Co-operative Society in the Parish of Foleshill. It merged with the Coventry Society in 1982, and in 1991 it became part of the Coventry & East Mercia Co-operative Society and on January 1st 2000, the Society changed its name to the Heart of England Co-operative Society. The Society has come a long way since its formation, and is the largest regional retailer with a trading area covering Coventry, Warwickshire, south Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Annual turnover is in excess of £83 million and employing around 1,000 people within our food stores, department stores, specialist electrical stores, travel outlets and funeral homes and have a membership of around 200,000. Members enjoy a range of discounts and special offers on products and services and also participate in membership activities run by the Society. As an ethical retailer the Society announced in March 2000 that all profits from the sale of tobacco products would be distributed back into the local community and in excess £500,000 has been pledged so far to worthwhile causes throughout the region with many charities and groups benefiting.
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The Co-operative Group, Central & Eastern region is a large region, covering most of the centre of the country. Included in its remit are the West Midlands conurbations of Birmingham, Rugby, Coventry etc. The area has a substantial number of outlets, including over 30 Somerfield stores , most of which will be converted to Co-operative stores by the end of 2010. The Co-operative Group also operates travel agencies, pharmacies and funeral parlours within the area, seeking to provide a wide range of services to co-operators. The region's democratically elected Central Midlands and South Midlands committees both have responsibility for the Group's presence in the West Midlands. The committees are tasked with raising the awareness of co-operation and ethical issues across their areas. |
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Co-operatives West Midlands is supported by The Co-operative Enterprise hub.
The Co-operative Enterprise hub helps to support and develop new and existing co-operative enterprises. Our aim is to grow the co-operative economy, creating strong ethically-led businesses with a deep sense of social responsibility. For more information please visit www.co-operative.coop/enterprisehub |
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Funding acknowledgment:
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub Fund through The Co-operative Group
The Co-operative Group Central & Eastern Region
Heart of England Co-operative Society
Midlands Co-operative Society
Midcounties Co-operative Society