Articles in Consumer

THE British Movement increased its representation in the International Co-operative Alliance, the global co-operative body, during a gathering of 70 countries for the ICA General Assembly in Cartagena, Colombia. Bob Burlton, Co-operative Group chairman and Midcounties Society CEO, was elected President of Consumer Co-operative International, one of the ICA's principal sectoral bodies. He replaces Giuseppe Fabretti, from Italy, who had an uninterrupted presidency of ten years.

HEART of England Co-op has announced a solid period of trading during the first half of its financial year despite the difficult economic climate. The society, the largest independent retailer in the Coventry, Warwickshire and South Leicestershire region, confirmed that sales had increased by 1.1% for the half-year to June 18th.

THE creation of a new East of England Co-operative Society moved a step closer following a resounding vote by members of Ipswich & Norwich Society in favour of the proposed merger with Colchester & East Essex Co-op. At special meetings in Norwich, Sudbury and Ipswich, members voted by an overwhelming majority of more than 97% to change the name of the society and to amend the rules to accommodate a merger of the two neighbouring co-ops.