The Midcounties Co-operative, which operates Co-op Childcare, was named Business of the Year and won the Social Sustainability and Community Development category at the edie Sustainability Leaders Awards. It beat finalists including The PepsiCo Foundation, Superdry and Ovo Energy.
The nursery group has launched a number of initiatives to support those most in need during the pandemic, including creating a Frontline Hero Support Fund which raised more than £40,000 to help critical workers pay for childcare.
A Helping Hands initiative also offered free childcare at its nurseries to parents who had lost their jobs during the pandemic, with the aim of providing practical support as they look for new employment.
Phil Ponsonby, chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said, ‘To be recognised with such a prestigious award is an incredible way to start the year and a massive endorsement for the co-operative movement, particularly with so many other leading businesses carrying out such great work.
‘Perhaps more than at any other time in our history, the pandemic has shown the true value of co-operation; people coming together to support each other and tackle big environmental, societal and community challenges close to home. We are thrilled with this incredible endorsement of what our members, colleagues, customers and partners have achieved together during a challenging year for everyone.’
Midcounties also operates food retail, travel, funeralcare, utilities, and pharmacy businesses under the Your Co-op banner and has been working with colleagues, members and customers to support the most vulnerable during the pandemic. This includes starting a home delivery service working with volunteers and community groups to get essential supplies to those most in need. It has now conducted more than 100,000 deliveries.
It also launched a fund which has seen members and customers donate more than £50,000 for 67 local food banks, donated smartphones worth £5,000 to help vulnerable people access support, and launched a £75,000 Community Restart Fund where charities and community groups could apply for emergency financial support.