Lincolnshire Co-operative

Community Champions
In 2013, the Society set up the Community Champions scheme which sees every member linked to a good cause near to where they live.[6] Every time they shop with the Society, a donation goes to that good cause. In its first year, the scheme had already given away £192,750 to local causes. Community Champions change every three months and reflect a different area of the community every quarter.[6] Donations have included over £86,000 for health charities Rethink and Headway [7] and more than £81,000 for local wildlife trusts.[8]

Investors in People
Lincolnshire Co-op was re-accredited as a Gold Standard employer in 2014 by Investors In People – a prestigious title shared by only 1 per cent of employers. This quality standard recognises commitment to developing staff by meeting rigorous requirements.[9]

Staff Development
The Society runs an apprentice scheme with a number of apprentices working in areas including food retail and pharmacy.[10]

To help staff develop, employees can undertake a Foundation Degree in Business Management. The two year qualification was designed specifically for Lincolnshire Co-op by the University of Lincoln and is delivered by trainers from the Society and academics from the University.

Lincolnshire Co-operative was founded as Lincoln Co-operative Society in 1861, inspired by Gainsborough joiner Thomas Parker.

Trading began at 1 Napoleon Place, Lincoln, in September 1861. By the end of the first quarter, there were 74 members and the dividend was 9d. Now there are around 230,000 members and £4.2m was paid to them in dividend and bonuses in 2012/13.[11]

When the Society reached its 150th birthday in 2011, it celebrated with a year of special events including a ‘Big Birthday Bash’ playing host to Lulu and indie rock band Scouting For Girls. It renovated a 1970s ‘birthday bus’ and an exhibition was held at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life, showcasing the Society’s eventful history and a memory book, where members had shared comments about their Co-op from over the years. Over half a million pounds was also donated to local good causes through the ‘Big Birthday Awards’.[12]

The Society operates food stores.[13] All of the stores sell a range of locally sourced produce called ‘Love Local’[14] which is made up of items from the local area. Products include Lincolnshire Poacher cheese made in Alford, Pipers Crisps made in Brigg and Lincolnshire Farm Eggs which come from free-range hens, roaming in farmers’ fields across Lincolnshire.

The Love Local range also includes a selection of baked goods including bread, cakes and Lincolnshire treats like plum bread made by the Society’s own bakery called Gadsby’s[15] based near Newark.

The Society runs pharmacies[16] that dispense and deliver prescriptions. All of the outlets have consultation rooms where people can have private advice from pharmacists and trained advisors. They offer a range of services including sexual health checks and blood pressure tests.

Several of its pharmacies are being refitted as ‘healthy living’ hubs to include better facilities and emphasis on providing clinical services and giving information and advice on health matters. The concept not only encourages healthy lifestyles and the prevention of health problems but also aims to reduce expensive waste and relieve some of the burden on GP practices.

Funeral services[17] are another part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s family of businesses. It has provided the service for over 125 years. It offers a complete funeral arrangement service, funeral plans, and links clients to a bereavement counselling service.

The Society has travel branches[18] which provide a wide range of services from holiday bookings to insurance, car hire, currency, luggage and more. Many branches also offer specialist extras like cruise, wedding and ski experts.

Lincolnshire Co-op also runs post offices,[19] filling stations,[20] coffee shops,[21] a memorial mason[22] and a florist.[23]

In November 2013, Lincolnshire Co-op opened South Lincolnshire Crematorium,[24] a community facility available for ceremonies organised by all local funeral directors. It includes a memorial garden, a flower court and a chapel that seats 100 people.

• British co-operative movement
• Lincolnshire Co-operative Challenge
• Lincolnshire Credit Union

• Lincolnshire Co-operative
• Lincolnshire Co-operative's historical archive