Co-operatives UK has received confirmation from the Financial Services Authority that it will not seek to prosecute societies for failing to audit interim accounts — unless prosecution is in the public interest.


THE Bristol-based wholefood co-operative Essential Trading has announced record sales as a result of a big increase in the demand for organic food. The long-established workers' co-op ? which specialises in supplying natural, organic, GMO free and fair trade vegetarian and vegan wholefoods to independent businesses in the UK ? enjoyed a record trading year in 2004 that saw turnover grow by £ 1.7 million and overall sales reach £ 9.9 million.