Midcounties Co-operative has reached a milestone in its membership by signing up its 700,000th member.
The member, Tom Waggett, is a new customer for Co-op Energy, the UK-wide utilities business operated by Midcounties.
Mr Waggett, from Somerset, said: “We were really drawn to Co-op Energy’s environmental policies and commitment to green energy, and more widely the charity work the society does. I look forward to being part of these initiatives and making a real difference within local communities in the future.”
The society has seen a 22% increase in its membership base over a period of three years. Phil Ponsonby, group chief executive at Midcounties, said: “Every new member grows our ability to support our local community and champion the issues that we know are important to them.
“Our members – and the values they join us for – are part of our DNA. It’s what makes us different to other businesses they could choose to shop with or buy from. They are front-of-mind in everything we do – whether it’s how we source the food in our stores, do our part to tackle global environmental challenges or support local community causes.”
More than 333,000 customers have now chosen Co-op Energy over other market suppliers.
To mark the milestone – and the co-op’s commitment to local sourcing and efficient energy use – Mr Waggett was presented with a luxury gift hamper, containing a selection of local produce from Midcounties’ ‘Best of Our Counties’ range and an energy-saving pack.
Mr Waggett added: “It’s a lovely gesture and emphasises one of the reasons we chose Midcounties – going the extra mile for their customers.”
The society was voted Leading Co-op of the Year 2018 by Co-operatives UK and was recently awarded a 5-star rating in Business in the Community’s Corporate Responsibility Index.
