Central England Co-operative - your local ethical retailer at the heart of your community

We have launched our autumn/winter crime crackdown by telling would-be criminals ‘it is not worth the risk’ to target our colleagues and stores

Posted by Rob Smyth | 14/10/2020 | Category: Corporate

Criminals have been told ‘it is not worth the risk’ targeting Central England Co-op stores this autumn and winter following a roll-out of new measures.

Interim results showcase how we have been leading the way for our members and local communities

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/10/2020 | Category: Corporate

Our interim results showcase how we have been leading the way for our members and local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic

Central England Co-operative officially opens its new store to support the community in Norwich - creating 20 new jobs

Posted by James Brindle | 10/09/2020 | Category: Corporate

The new Central England Co-op food store in Sprowston, Norwich has opened its doors creating 20 new jobs.

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look of new food store in Norwich

Posted by James Brindle | 01/09/2020 | Category: Corporate

The opening date for the new Central England Co-op in Norwich has been revealed, as well as a first look behind the scenes.

Coffee chain’s first Derbyshire outlet launches at Central England Co-op store following £620,000 project

Posted by James Brindle | 28/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op's Littleover store is now home to a brand new coffee shop.

MP leading fight to better protect shop staff backs our ‘zero tolerance’ plea

Posted by Rob Smyth | 11/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Alex Norris supports our colleagues and campaigning efforts

Nottinghamshire food store gets fresh new look with £100k makeover complete with artwork created by local schoolchildren

Posted by James Brindle | 11/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

A refreshed shopfront is among the changes at the Skegby Road Food Store including artwork provided by a local school.

Grab a free cuppa at village food store as it celebrates new look after £86k makeover

Posted by James Brindle | 11/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op's Bramcote Lane Food Store has been transformed following a £86,000 makeover

Central England Co-op offers new range of fun and colourful reusable face coverings for kids

Posted by James Brindle | 10/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Children's Face Coverings now available in Central England Co-op stores to meet demand.

Work set to begin on £3 million transformation of Boley Park Food Store in Lichfield

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Plans unveiled for new-look superstore

We are urging the Government to do more to protect shop workers following three shocking attacks on colleagues

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/07/2020 | Category: Corporate

Three incidents have prompted calls for more protection for shop workers.

Central England Co-operative officially opens its new store to support the community in Doncaster - creating 14 new jobs

Posted by James Brindle | 03/07/2020 | Category: Corporate

Take a look at our new Barnby Dun community store which is now open.

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look at new food store in Nottingham

Posted by James Brindle | 08/05/2020 | Category: Corporate

Take a look at some images of our new Beeston food store ahead of its launch.

First new store of 2020 opens in Leicestershire following £1.5 million investment

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/03/2020 | Category: Corporate

Schoolchildren help cut the ribbon at new Oak Tree Corner community food store.

We are supporting a pioneering scheme to turn around the lives of prolific offenders in Birmingham

Posted by Rob Smyth | 22/01/2020 | Category: Corporate

We are proud to work with West Midlands Police to help turn around the lives of James and Paul.

Christmas and New Year results success sees Central England Co-op bucking the industry trend

Posted by Rob Smyth | 16/01/2020 | Category: Corporate

Thanks to customers, members and colleagues for helping us have a great Christmas and New Year.

We invested nearly £12 million in new stores, funeral homes and refits during 2019

Posted by Rob Smyth | 01/01/2020 | Category: Corporate

We opened everything from new stores to funeral booking offices during 2019.

First look at planned £3 million investment to create flagship Lichfield store

Posted by Rob Smyth | 09/12/2019 | Category: Corporate

This image showcases how our planned investment in Boley Park may look like.

We are launching a new campaign calling for an end of violence and aggression towards colleagues

Posted by Rob Smyth | 18/11/2019 | Category: Corporate

New campaign links up with local police forces to tackle issue in our stores and protect colleagues.

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look behind the scenes of its new Food Store in Tamworth

Posted by James Brindle | 18/11/2019 | Category: Corporate

These first look images give a behind the scenes glimpse at our new Tamworth Food Store as its opening date is revealed.

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look behind the scenes of its new Food Store in Lowestoft

Posted by James Brindle | 31/10/2019 | Category: Corporate

New images give a behind the scenes look at our new Lowestoft Food Store as its opening date is revealed.

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look behind the scenes of its new Food Store in Belper

Posted by James Brindle | 22/10/2019 | Category: Corporate

New images give a behind the scenes look at our new Openwoodgate Food Store as its opening date is revealed.

Central England Co-op half year results show rise in sales despite challenging retail market

Posted by Rob Smyth | 20/09/2019 | Category: Corporate

Rise in sales boosted by investment in new sites and Travel Shop network

Cutting-edge short films show impact on young people supporting family members who have dementia

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/05/2019 | Category: Corporate

We have teamed up with Dementia UK to produce a series of powerful films showcasing young people talking about helping relatives with dementia.

We have been shortlisted for Leading Co-operative of the Year 2019 award

Posted by Rob Smyth | 07/05/2019 | Category: Corporate

Help us win the top gong at the Co-operative of the Year Awards 2019

Increased sales and trading profit drive Central England Co-operative’s work to support local communities

Posted by Rob Smyth | 29/03/2019 | Category: Corporate

We are proud of our latest annual results.

Female leaders from the world of Co-ops met ahead of International Women’s Day at special event

Posted by Rob Smyth | 07/03/2019 | Category: Corporate

Harvest Fields Centre, in Sutton Coldfield, played host to the event.

Central England Co-op welcomes new Chief Executive Debbie Robinson

Posted by Rob Smyth | 04/03/2019 | Category: Corporate

Debbie joins from her role as UK Managing Director at SPAR UK.

Launch of exciting bursary with Birmingham City University aimed at boosting skills such as maths and science

Posted by Rob Smyth | 25/02/2019 | Category: Corporate

Students will now have the chance to forge careers in areas such as IT, digital, science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Our half year results show strong financial performance and growth

Posted by Rob Smyth | 21/09/2018 | Category: Corporate

Strong sales and investment help Society enjoy good first half of 2018

Our food waste project is set to be rolled out across all shops following successful pilot

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/06/2018 | Category: Corporate

Find out more about our work with FareShare East Midlands

Central England Co-op celebrates hitting five star milestone in responsible business ranking

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/04/2018 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative is celebrating being awarded the maximum five stars out of five in Business in the Community’s 2018 Corporate Responsibility Index (CR Index). This result means that in the space of just two years the dedication and hard work of colleagues from across the Society has contributed to its rating leaping from 2.5 stars to five. Central England Co-op’s overall score of 99 per cent has jumped from 87 per cent in 2016 and 98 per cent last year.

Ambitious project helps cut food waste and create over 5,000 meals for people in need

Posted by Rob Smyth | 17/04/2018 | Category: Corporate

Society teams up with FareShare to tackle issue of food waste.

Rise in sales and profits help the Society continue to make a difference in the community

Posted by Rob Smyth | 12/04/2018 | Category: Corporate

Gross sales and operating profit were up compared to the previous year despite the Society operating in a challenging and highly competitive trading environment.

We are celebrating being awarded five star responsible business rating

Posted by Rob Smyth | 05/03/2018 | Category: Corporate

We have scored five out of five in Business in the Community’s 2018 Corporate Responsibility Index (CR Index)

Central England Co-op invests over £15 million to boost experience for customers

Posted by Rob Smyth | 02/01/2018 | Category: Corporate

The major development programme has seen individual areas such as Leicestershire and Derbyshire receive over £2 million in investment, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire over £1.5 million and nearly £1 million in Cambridgeshire.

Milestone week for Society as we open and relaunch six new stores and a new funeral home

Posted by Rob Smyth | 29/05/2017 | Category: Corporate

Six new or revamped food stores and a new funeral home reopened in the space of a week

Our new look website

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 03/05/2017 | Category: Corporate

Welcome to our new look website with an improved customer experience.

Responsible Business Week 24-28 April, 2017 - The Marketplace

Posted by Heather Clapton | 28/04/2017 | Category: Corporate

The Marketplace Workgroup, chaired by Louise McFadzean, Head of Finance has worked hard over the last 12 months to increase the flexibility our supplier relationship holders have to negotiate with and pay our smaller suppliers.

Responsible Business Week 24-28 April, Retailing and the Environment – Responsible & Sustainable

Posted by Heather Clapton | 27/04/2017 | Category: Corporate

Why is sustainability and energy efficiency important for the future? Retailers will inevitably face sustainability and environmental requirements set by government in the coming years, driving the necessity for innovation and investment. Our current environmental targets indicate a 35% carbon reduction by 2018 along with specific targets for water use, waste outputs, increased local suppliers and investing back into our local communities.

Responsible Business Week 24-28 April - Time To Change - Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

Posted by Heather Clapton | 26/04/2017 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative has signed a pledge to break the silence around mental health for all its colleagues.

Responsible Business Week 24-28 April, 2017 - Corporate Responsibility Index

Posted by Heather Clapton | 24/04/2017 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative’s commitment to Corporate Responsibility resulted in a raft of successes including a leap from 2.5 stars to 4.5 stars on the BITC CR Index.

Time to Change - we pledge to raise awareness about mental health

Posted by Rob Smyth | 24/03/2017 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative has vowed to break the silence around mental health by signing the Time to Change Employer Pledge.

Leading Brilliance Awards - celebrating our stars

Posted by Jo Baldock | 18/10/2016 | Category: Corporate

Delighted to recognise our star performers at the recent Leading Brilliance Awards.

Helping budding mechanics fulfil their dreams

Posted by Jo Baldock | 23/05/2016 | Category: Corporate

Budding mechanics at Stephenson College in Leicestershire will find it easier to get a foot on the career ladder after taking delivery of two heavy goods vehicles donated by Central England Co-operative.

Why vote for us

Posted by Jo Baldock | 22/05/2016 | Category: Corporate

One of the UK’s largest independent retail societies, Central England Co-operative is a huge sector success story. With over 430 outlets, from the heart of England to its eastern shore, our continued growth in retail food and funeral services is built on a strong ethical philosophy which is breaking new ground.

Bloom - A recipe for Healthy Living

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 07/04/2016 | Category: Corporate

This March we launched Bloom, a health and wellbeing programme focused on helping you to feel great.

Central England Co-operative - Interim Report Film 2015

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 20/10/2015 | Category: Corporate

Watch the video of our interim report 2015

Join us in celebrating Co-operatives Fortnight

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 18/06/2015 | Category: Corporate

Details on Co-operatives Fortnight runs from 20th June to 4th July

Central England Co-operative’s electrical sales event

Posted by David Thompson | 19/04/2015 | Category: Corporate

Starting this month, Central England Co-operative will be holding a big electrical clearance event in selected stores.

Explore our job opportunities with Co-opportunities

Posted by Dan Poole | 20/02/2015 | Category: Corporate

We are pleased to announce a new feature on our recently launched careers website, now making it even easier and convenient for you to discover all of our latest vacancies in one simple click.

Store Launches Page Launched

Posted by David Thompson | 05/11/2014 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative is happy to announce it’s now easier than ever to find out everything you need to know about your new upcoming stores and any planned refurbishments to enhance your shopping experience with us.

New Careers Website

Posted by Dan Poole | 30/10/2014 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative is pleased to announce the launch of our brand new and improved careers website www.cecjobs.coop, now featuring a helpful CV builder and more.

Pick of the crop - Eat locally, seasonally and healthily!

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 18/07/2014 | Category: Corporate

Join us today to try something new, seasonal, local and healthy!

Corporate Responsibility - What are we doing?

Posted by Maryann Denfhy | 10/07/2014 | Category: Corporate

Find out how Central England Co-op are making a difference today for a better tomorrow.

The 100 wackiest Cat & Dog Pet Names – Part 2 (Dogs)

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 09/06/2014 | Category: Corporate

In this second part, we look at the 50 strangest dog names from around the globe.

Co-operation amongst co-operatives

Posted by Maryann Denfhy | 05/11/2013 | Category: Corporate

Watch Gill, our store manager at the Northfield store, talk Co-operative.

Year One on Midlands Co-operative Graduate Scheme

Posted by Maryann Denfhy | 21/08/2013 | Category: Corporate

Find out how Joanne has got on so far on her graduate scheme.

Blogs : corporate

We have launched our autumn/winter crime crackdown by telling would-be criminals ‘it is not worth the risk’ to target our colleagues and stores

Posted by Rob Smyth | 14/10/2020 | Category: Corporate

Interim results showcase how we have been leading the way for our members and local communities

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/10/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative officially opens its new store to support the community in Norwich - creating 20 new jobs

Posted by James Brindle | 10/09/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look of new food store in Norwich

Posted by James Brindle | 01/09/2020 | Category: Corporate

Coffee chain’s first Derbyshire outlet launches at Central England Co-op store following £620,000 project

Posted by James Brindle | 28/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

MP leading fight to better protect shop staff backs our ‘zero tolerance’ plea

Posted by Rob Smyth | 11/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Nottinghamshire food store gets fresh new look with £100k makeover complete with artwork created by local schoolchildren

Posted by James Brindle | 11/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Grab a free cuppa at village food store as it celebrates new look after £86k makeover

Posted by James Brindle | 11/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op offers new range of fun and colourful reusable face coverings for kids

Posted by James Brindle | 10/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

Work set to begin on £3 million transformation of Boley Park Food Store in Lichfield

Posted by Rob Smyth | 03/08/2020 | Category: Corporate

We are urging the Government to do more to protect shop workers following three shocking attacks on colleagues

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/07/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-operative officially opens its new store to support the community in Doncaster - creating 14 new jobs

Posted by James Brindle | 03/07/2020 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look at new food store in Nottingham

Posted by James Brindle | 08/05/2020 | Category: Corporate

First new store of 2020 opens in Leicestershire following £1.5 million investment

Posted by Rob Smyth | 13/03/2020 | Category: Corporate

We are supporting a pioneering scheme to turn around the lives of prolific offenders in Birmingham

Posted by Rob Smyth | 22/01/2020 | Category: Corporate

Christmas and New Year results success sees Central England Co-op bucking the industry trend

Posted by Rob Smyth | 16/01/2020 | Category: Corporate

We invested nearly £12 million in new stores, funeral homes and refits during 2019

Posted by Rob Smyth | 01/01/2020 | Category: Corporate

First look at planned £3 million investment to create flagship Lichfield store

Posted by Rob Smyth | 09/12/2019 | Category: Corporate

We are launching a new campaign calling for an end of violence and aggression towards colleagues

Posted by Rob Smyth | 18/11/2019 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look behind the scenes of its new Food Store in Tamworth

Posted by James Brindle | 18/11/2019 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look behind the scenes of its new Food Store in Lowestoft

Posted by James Brindle | 31/10/2019 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op reveals opening date and first look behind the scenes of its new Food Store in Belper

Posted by James Brindle | 22/10/2019 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op half year results show rise in sales despite challenging retail market

Posted by Rob Smyth | 20/09/2019 | Category: Corporate

Cutting-edge short films show impact on young people supporting family members who have dementia

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/05/2019 | Category: Corporate

We have been shortlisted for Leading Co-operative of the Year 2019 award

Posted by Rob Smyth | 07/05/2019 | Category: Corporate

Increased sales and trading profit drive Central England Co-operative’s work to support local communities

Posted by Rob Smyth | 29/03/2019 | Category: Corporate

Female leaders from the world of Co-ops met ahead of International Women’s Day at special event

Posted by Rob Smyth | 07/03/2019 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op welcomes new Chief Executive Debbie Robinson

Posted by Rob Smyth | 04/03/2019 | Category: Corporate

Launch of exciting bursary with Birmingham City University aimed at boosting skills such as maths and science

Posted by Rob Smyth | 25/02/2019 | Category: Corporate

Our half year results show strong financial performance and growth

Posted by Rob Smyth | 21/09/2018 | Category: Corporate

Our food waste project is set to be rolled out across all shops following successful pilot

Posted by Rob Smyth | 15/06/2018 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op celebrates hitting five star milestone in responsible business ranking

Posted by Rob Smyth | 23/04/2018 | Category: Corporate

Ambitious project helps cut food waste and create over 5,000 meals for people in need

Posted by Rob Smyth | 17/04/2018 | Category: Corporate

Rise in sales and profits help the Society continue to make a difference in the community

Posted by Rob Smyth | 12/04/2018 | Category: Corporate

We are celebrating being awarded five star responsible business rating

Posted by Rob Smyth | 05/03/2018 | Category: Corporate

Central England Co-op invests over £15 million to boost experience for customers

Posted by Rob Smyth | 02/01/2018 | Category: Corporate

Milestone week for Society as we open and relaunch six new stores and a new funeral home

Posted by Rob Smyth | 29/05/2017 | Category: Corporate

Our new look website

Posted by Nathan Lloyd | 03/05/2017 | Category: Corporate

Responsible Business Week 24-28 April, 2017 - The Marketplace

Posted by Heather Clapton | 28/04/2017 | Category: Corporate

Responsible Business Week 24-28 April, Retailing and the Environment – Responsible & Sustainable

Rob Smyth
Public relations

Stephanie Forrester
Public relations

James Brindle
Public relations