We’re finalists at the People in Retail awards 2026!
We’re delighted to share that OurCoop has been shortlisted in three categories at the People in Retail Awards 2026, recognising the incredible work of our colleagues, partners and communities.
The awards celebrate the very best of retail people – brilliant teams, committed leaders, rising talent, community champions, customer heroes and the people who keep stores and support centres moving every day. To be recognised across three categories is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the positive impact being made across OurCoop.
This year, OurCoop has been shortlisted for:
- Retail Partner of the Year (joint submission with Olio)
- Sustainability Champion
- Community Impact Award
Together, these nominations highlight the breadth of OurCoop’s work – from tackling food waste and supporting communities to driving environmental progress and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
Celebrating the power of partnership
A special congratulations goes to Olio, our partner in the Retail Partner of the Year category.
Since partnering together, OurCoop and Olio have helped redistribute millions of meals through a community-led approach tackling food waste and food insecurity. By connecting surplus food with local people quickly and efficiently, the partnership has demonstrated how technology, community action and co-operative values can work together to create meaningful impact.
The joint shortlisting recognises not only the scale of what has been achieved, but the shared commitment of both organisations to supporting communities while reducing waste.
Making a difference in our communities
Our Community Impact Award shortlisting reflects the many ways OurCoop works alongside local schools, charities, foodbanks, community groups and partner organisations to respond to real social needs.
From employability programmes and work experience opportunities to fundraising, volunteering and food support initiatives, colleagues across the Society help create opportunities, build confidence and strengthen community resilience every day.
As a member-owned co-operative, supporting communities is not an additional activity – it is central to why we exist.
Driving sustainability at scale
Being shortlisted for Sustainability Champion recognises the progress being made across renewable energy, carbon reduction, energy efficiency and food waste reduction.
From solar generation and community energy partnerships to surplus food redistribution and investment in lower-carbon operations, OurCoop is using its scale to help build a greener and more sustainable future while delivering measurable environmental benefits.
Thank you to our colleagues and partners
These nominations belong to everyone who helps bring OurCoop’s purpose to life – our 13,000 colleagues, more than one million members, community partners and organisations such as Olio who work alongside us to make a difference.
Every day, people across OurCoop demonstrate what can be achieved when businesses put people, communities and the environment at the heart of decision-making.
We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many inspiring organisations and look forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists at the People in Retail Awards in September!
Good luck to all those shortlisted.