Billingborough community groups to receive funding boost as new-look Co-op launches

Children from local primary schools will be among the guests of honour, cutting the ribbon to re-open the Co-op on Friday, following a more than £415,000 makeover to transform the store for the community.

Located in High Street, Billingborough, the store will bring the retailer’s unique new membership scheme to the community. Co-op members receive a five per cent reward on purchases of Co-op own-branded products and services, with a further one per cent going to local causes and groups to make a difference in the community – groups set to initially benefit include the Billingborough Village Hall, Ruby Hunt Trust and Three Counties Dog Rescue.

The new-look store will increase its opening hours to 6am-10pm and has created three new jobs. It will have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials. It will also appoint a Community Pioneer, Christine Green, a member of the food store team working to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising to working with charities, schools and voluntary organisations to contribute to local life.

Simon Taylor, Area Manager for the Co-op, said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum to deliver a compelling, convenient and co-operative shopping experience. Our new Co-op look represents all that we stand for - our proud co-operative heritage and our decision that community and membership, the very things that makes us truly distinctive, must be at the heart of all we say and do.”

Robert Taylor, Store Manager, added: “We are delighted to be making such a significant investment in Billingborough, it is an exciting time for the whole team. Our new-look and ‘clover leaf’ design logo – first used in the 1960’s - links to a time when people really understood how they could be co-owners and members of their Co-op, and how a strong Co-op could help to create strong communities. And, what better way than to give back to communities as a reward for shopping with us? Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally simply by using their card when they shop with us and provide much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”

Earlier this year the Co-op was described as the fastest growing non-discounter food store according to retail industry data released by Kantar Worldpanel.

There will be offers and promotions in and around the new-look store to mark its launch. And, students in Billingborough who hold a NUS extra card receive a 10 per cent discount off their groceries in the store.

Co-op members are urged to look out for their new-look membership card which are being issued over the coming four weeks. Members can choose which of the good causes they wish to support, and money will be raised over a six month period – for further information visit coop.co.uk/membership