EAST OF ENGLAND CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

That this House congratulates the East of England Co-operative Society for its success over the past trading year, with an increase in pre-tax profits and the first rise in turnover for six years; notes that the Society, which operates in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, is not part of the troubled national Co-operative Group; is delighted that members are sharing a dividend distribution of £3.5 million, with £185,602 donated to community projects; applauds the Society for its Sourced Locally initiative which brings local products into Co-op stores direct from the region's growers and producers, which has led to the creation of around 300 new jobs by these suppliers; recognises the major role which the East of England Co-operative Society plays in the economy of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, with a turnover of more than £340 million; welcomes the fact that the Society has no debt, is profitable, is growing and employs 5,000 people; and wishes the Society, led by an independent board of directors elected by the membership, further success in the years ahead.