The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has been named a finalist in the UK Social Enterprise Awards, recognising it as one of the country’s most innovative and impactful co-operative businesses.
As a member-owned co-operative, the Channel Islands Co-operative Society exists to create lasting value for its members and communities. The Society reinvests in the islands through member rewards, community initiatives, support for local producers, sustainability programmes and long-term investment in services that benefit local people.
These prestigious national awards are run by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK to recognise sector-leading excellence and innovation across a diverse range of criteria, and the Channel Islands Co-operative Society has been shortlisted in the Co-op of the Year category.
Mark Cox, Chief Executive Officer of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, 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 Channel Islands Co-operative Society will attend a VIP ceremony at New Century Hall in the centre of Manchester’s Co-operative Quarter on Thursday 12 November to find out if it has won this highly sought-after award.
There are more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, employing more than two million people and contributing £60 billion to the national economy each year, while also tackling some of the biggest challenges facing people and planet.
Peter Holbrook CBE, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, commented: “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.”
Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, said: “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. 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.”
