The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has been shortlisted for a national award recognising the contribution of co-operative businesses.
The society has been named a finalist in the Co-op of the Year category at the UK Social Enterprise Awards, which are organised by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK.
The awards recognise organisations for their work and innovation across a range of areas, with the Channel Islands Co-operative Society being recognised among co-operatives from across the UK.
The member-owned business says it reinvests in Jersey and Guernsey through member rewards, community initiatives, support for local producers, sustainability programmes and investment in services.
Mark Cox, chief executive officer of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said the nomination reflected the contribution of people and organisations connected to the Society.
He said: “We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for Co-op of the Year. As a business owned by our members, this recognition belongs to our colleagues, members, local producers, partners and communities across Jersey and Guernsey who support us every day.
“Co-operation is at the heart of everything we do, from returning value to members and supporting local causes, to investing in innovation and sustainability for the future.
“To be recognised alongside so many inspiring co-operatives from across the UK is a tremendous honour, and we are delighted to be representing the Channel Islands on a national stage.”
The winner will be announced at a VIP ceremony at New Century Hall in Manchester’s Co-operative Quarter on Thursday 12 November.
The event will bring the finalists together in the area described by Co-operatives UK as the birthplace of the co-operative movement.
Rose Marley, chief executive of Co-operatives UK, said the new award was intended to highlight the contribution of member-owned businesses.
“It’s brilliant to see so many outstanding co-operatives on this year’s shortlist, proof of the huge contribution member-owned businesses make to communities right across the country. With our new Co-op of the Year Award, we’re able to shine a spotlight on that impact like never before,” she said.
“And as we prepare to bring the Awards to Manchester’s co-operative quarter, the birthplace of the co-operative movement, it feels only right that we’re celebrating the businesses carrying that legacy forward today.”
The UK Social Enterprise Awards also recognise the wider contribution of social enterprises, with more than 100,000 such businesses employing more than two million people and contributing £60 billion to the UK economy each year.
Peter Holbrook CBE, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, said the awards recognised organisations seeking to put people and the planet at the centre of their work.
He said: “It’s a joy to celebrate those that are quietly getting on with the job of building a better Britain and providing a practical path to an economy that puts people and planet first.
“The UK Social Enterprise Awards celebrate the organisations focused on making communities healthier, happier and more environmentally friendly. They’re an inspiration to anyone looking for examples of ways to do business better.”
