Who are we?
OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared co-operative values.
The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Its footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
OurCoop and its family of businesses are trading names of Central England Co-operative Limited.
OurCoop family of businesses
OurCoop brings together a family of established co-operative businesses operating across food retail, travel, funeralcare, Early Years and utilities:
FoodCoop – Over 500 stores at the heart of high streets across the UK and serving communities with quality, responsibly sourced products.
TravelCoop – More than 70 branches plus online services, helping people explore the world while supporting ethical tourism.
FuneralCoop – Over 150 funeral homes, providing dignified, compassionate support when families need it most.
Little Pioneers – More than 40 Early Years nurseries giving children the best possible start, run on co-operative principles.
EnergyCoop, MobileCoop and BroadbandCoop – The UK's only co-operative utilities provider, demonstrating that essential services don't need to prioritise shareholder dividends over customer needs.
What is a co-operative?
A co-operative is a business owned by its members, where people work together to share the profits and benefits. Giving every member a say in how things are run, co-operatives are a kinder and more inclusive way of doing business, with a focus on giving back. Unlike a PLC, co-operatives exist to create value for their members, customers and the wider community. Decisions are taken democratically. Profits and rewards shared. Progressive and innovative, yet rooted in history, co-operatives stand for equality, opportunity and shared success.
Find out more about the UK Co-operative Movement by clicking here.
Explore the International Co-operative Movement by clicking here.
Our Awards
Everything we do is for the community, not for awards, but we’re always proud to be recognised.
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Our History & Heritage
Your Co-op has a long and rich history, going back to the mid 19th century, a time when ordinary people began to establish co-operatives to better themselves and their communities.