Co-ops launch smartphone apps for members

Two co-op societies have launched mobile apps for members to help them keep up to date with the latest goings on. Hawthorn Housing Co-operative in Glasgow has released a...

Two co-op societies have launched mobile apps for members to help them keep up to date with the latest goings on.

Hawthorn Housing Co-operative in Glasgow has released a smartphone app that lets tenants pay rent, report a repair and discover information about what is happening in the area.

The app also means landlords can contact residents –for instance to remind them to pay rent or provide important information.

Meanwhile, Scotmid Co-operative has announced details of its membership app, which delivers special offers and member benefits straight to members’ phones.

Steven Murphy with the Hawthorn Housing app
Steven Murphy with the Hawthorn Housing app

Hawthorn director Colin Turnbull said mobile app technology brings a number of benefits.

“Our community covers a very small area with everyone living within walking distance,” he said. “Most of our communication with our tenants and members is face to face in their homes or at the local office.

“However we also recognise that social media is a very effective way of keeping in touch with some tenants and we think that the app is a cost-effective way of building on the success we have had using Facebook.”

The co-op – a landlord since 1987 – owns the houses and rents them to members, all of whom have a stake in the co-op. Tenants join by paying a £1 share.

Scotmid’s app will include information about events the co-op is supporting, a news feed, and a store finder.

Scotmid's app will have a range of news and offers for members
Scotmid’s app will have a range of news and offers for members

 

Malcolm Brown, the society’s head of corporate communication, said: “Co-operatives have undergone a great deal of modernisation in recent years and we need to consider how we continue to move with the times.

“It’s not just the younger generation that enjoys the ease and simplicity of using smart phone applications,” he added.

“I’m sure this app will appeal to our broader membership too. I am really looking forward to seeing how the app is received and what the future holds for technology in co-operatives over the coming months and years.”

Hawthorn Housing’s app is already available on Google Playstore and will be available on Apple’s app store by the end of January 2016, while Scotmid’s app goes live for iOS, Android and Windows smartphones from Monday 25 January.

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