EAST of England Co-op, the UK's fourth largest independent society, has boosted its trading profit by five per cent to more than £ 9 million. New stores, acquisitions, refurbishments and extensions have each been a feature of the period under review as the society's £ 40 million development programme continues. Assets are at a new record level of £ 240 million for the year ended January 27th.

SALES have increased by nearly six per cent at Lincolnshire Co-operative in the past six months. The society’s half-year results show an overall 5.7 per cent increase to £104.3 million for the six months ended March 3rd. 

The Co-operative Group's position on Fairtrade and its other sustainability initiatives have been recognised by the Queen.