Southern Co-op has been presented with the award for Sustainable Development as part of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
Met with a visit from HM Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esq of Hampshire on 1 September, the independent co-operative was praised for its strong values and for continuing to achieve the Fair Tax Mark.
Its colleagues covering Southern Co-op’s sectors such as retail, coffee branches, head office and end of life services who were present at the ceremony, were also thanked for their efforts.
Other attendees included Deputy Lieutenant David Frere-Cook Esq, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust CEO Debbie Tan, Welcome Franchisee Richard Dance, Neighbourly client success manager Rowena Farr, Business in the Community membership engagement director Nick Diamond and Paul Gonella from Strong Island Media.
The Southern Co-op’s current climate targets, set to be achieved by 2030 include to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from its direct operations by 50% and to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from its managed trading business by 17%.
“This is a very special award presentation. Actually it is the first time I have presented a sustainable development award. This is a really difficult award to achieve,” the Lord-Lieutenant said, speaking at the event.
“I had no idea Southern Co-op was formed in Portsmouth in 1873. At that time, it was set up in response to societal change. It was a business to help people help themselves. Sadly some of these issues still remain today and I’m pleased to see Southern Co-op is still here helping people.
“Of course there are other challenges now with the changing climate and declining wildlife and your response comes through very strongly. It’s a great business. I am very pleased to read your values and being customer focused is clearly in your DNA.”
Southern Co-op chief executive, Mark Smith added: “The principles we have around sustainable development go all the way through our business so it is important that we celebrate this success with colleagues throughout our co-operative.
“Our third party partnerships are also important to us on this journey as we always achieve a lot more when we work with others. This award is an opportunity for us to celebrate where we have got to on our sustainable journey.”
