Consumers get say on Co-op community spending

A questionnaire has been created so that members of the Co-op along with staff can have a say where the firm's profits get divided.

Chief executive at the Co-op Peter Marks, who revealed strong sales this week, claimed that this is an innovative push from the company and one that proves it is ahead of the competition.

"From our beginnings in 1844, we've led the way on what it is to be a responsive and accountable business. In another UK first, we will be consulting our members and employees to help determine what community initiatives and campaigns we should focus on in the future," he said.

He added that the method was successful earlier in the year when 100,000 offered input into the Co-op's Food Ethical Policy.

Once the consultation is complete, then the destination of the cash will be outlined in the new year, the organisation asserted.