The Midcounties Co-operative work hard to make a positive difference in cities, towns and villages across Oxfordshire.

Its co-operative principles ensure tha Midcounties operates with the best interests of the wider community at heart.

"We are very proud of the difference our society makes in Oxfordshire," said Tris Poole, group general manager for personnel services and community at Midcounties.

"Our business is not centred solely on profits. We are true to our co-operative values and principles and believe we should give something back to the communities we serve and establish close links with them.

"Participation in community activity is beneficial to our business, providing personal development opportunities for our colleague volunteers and a continual rise in the recruitment of new members."

As a member owned co-operative organisation, Midcounties is governed by its customers who choose to join The Co-operative Membership scheme. This entitles them to have a say in how the society is run and qualifies them for a share of profits dividend.

The society provides a range of service in Oxfordshire including food retail, pharmacy, travel, funeral, childcare and motors.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Midcounties supports charities and community groups in and around Oxford in various ways, including financial donation and volunteer assistance.

Last year Co-operative community funding totalled £203,790 and benefited numerous community groups, as well a schools and youth groups throughout the Midcounties trading area.

Groups in Oxfordshire who have benefited from Midcounties grants include £500 for the ACE Centre to buy specially adapted toys for children with physical and communication disabilities, and £750 which enabled Rose Hill Primary School's art room to buy a selection of art and story books for its library.

The culture of community involvement is evident in the time colleagues give to voluntary projects during their normal working hours. Midcounties colleagues are permitted to take up to three days each year to participate in community volunteering.

Community volunteers from its various trading groups smashed their 11,000 hour target for last year by providing 14,847 hours to help charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Projects range from practical tasks such as garden makeovers, redecorating and carrying out repairs to going into schools to help children with their reading. The work undertaken costs an equivalent of £215,133.

Co-operative Community Funding also supports festivals across the county. One of the largest events supported by Midcounties, the Oxford Children's Food Festival, attracted 18,000 visitors last year.

SHARING OUR RETAIL EXPERTISE

The Society supports a growing number of village stores which, without its help, would not be able to trade. Assistance is given in the form of grants, business advice, shop fittings, and training.

Midcounties has developed the most comprehensive support programme of an UK retailer for communities to take control of their own store through the creation of community owned village shops.

Since the first store approached Midcounties in 1996, the Society has supported 30 shops.

Midcounties' work with community stores is now well know throughout the network in our trading area.

As a result of this work, Midcounties has been re-accredited for a 'Big Tick' Award for Excellence by Business in the Community for its entry titled 'Co-operative Approach to Rural Revival'.

Midcounties works with the Woodstock-based Village Retail Service's Association (ViRSA) to support ViRSA's aim of doubling the number of community owned village shops.

For more information on applying fo Co-operative Community Funding, or to seek help from the community volunteer programme, contact 01902 405700 or visit the website: www.midcounties.coop