Our co-op was founded in Portsmouth, Hampshire in 1873. It was a response to the societal challenges of that time – exploitation, inequality and life-threatening poverty – with a vision of creating a business that would help people to help themselves and meet the needs of all, rather than a few rich shareholders.
These societal challenges unfortunately still exist today in one form or another, alongside environmental challenges like climate change, declining natural resources and threatened wildlife and habitats. However, our response remains the same.
As a Co-op, our values are:
Self-help
In co-operatives, people help each other whilst helping themselves by working together for mutual benefit.
Self-responsibility
Individuals within co-operatives act responsibly and play a full part in the organisation.
Equality
Each member will have equal rights and benefits (according to their contribution).
Equity
Members will be treated justly and fairly.
Solidarity
Members will support each other and other co-operatives.
Democracy
A co-operative will be structured so that members have control over the organisation – one member, one vote.
