CFS and Group scoop awards

And to complete a great Co-op double at the gala dinner at London’s Royal Albert Hall, CFS’s parent company, the Co-operative Group, was named as winner of the BitC Climate Change award.

CFS has long been seen as a leader in the area of responsible business. Its commitment to leading the way on ethical, environmental and community issues, through its Sustainable Development Policy, delivers significant value in a socially responsible and ecologically sustainable manner.

Meanwhile the Group has pioneered renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions alongside innovative consumer offsetting schemes to become one of the world’s leading businesses tackling climate change.

CFS Chief Executive David Anderson told the News: “To be named BitC Company of the Year for 2008 is a massive achievement and demonstrates the lengths we go to in terms of managing our social, ethical and environmental footprint.

“This lies firmly at the heart of our business and our customer-led ethical policies will ensure that we remain firmly in touch with their needs and priorities.”

Peter Marks, Co-operative Group Chief Executive, added: “We are tremendously proud of our climate change activities. This award demonstrates that our colleagues in the business community also recognise the impact our business practices have on the environment and in the communities in which we operate.”

Seperately, the Group has also won a European Retail Solutions Award for innovative technology, scooping the prize for Best Customer Facing Technology for its unique Insight system, which gathers feedback from food shoppers at tills.

The awards, organised by Retail Week, focus on recognising retailers and suppliers for excellence and innovation in retail IT, solutions and technology.

The Group’s Insight system was developed so customers could be asked questions via Chip & PIN pads at tills in food stores across the country. The technology was developed by the Group’s in-house team, along with Smart Technology Solutions. Information gathered allows the society to improve the in-store environment; serve its customers’ better and increase the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.