Andrew Upton

Occupation: Warehouse Team Manager

Co-operative Businesses traded with in last 12 months Food and Electrical

Skills and experience

Like the majority, I’m sure you’ll agree that the Co-op is a brand we all know and recognise with our clover leaf emblem. Working at Castlewood since its opening, I’ve seen the change within the society to a style we all know and can relate too. Also as a Member Pioneer since its inception, I’ve seen the best of the Co-op in the community for all. Aspiration, at least another 174 years for the Co-op!

Additional information

So who am I?

Visually I’m not easily missed and my broad Derbyshire accent can be heard. I’m a husband, father of 2 daughters who wrap me round their little finger and very proud of my working class roots.

Rugby (Union and League) fanatic, but like the majority of people, family, work and ‘sometimes’ leisure time are the norm.

When I began working at the Castlewood CDC, the big gleaming sign seen by thousands of commuters daily heading north on the M1 at junction 28, shone with the words of ‘Co-operative Food’. If anyone asked me who I worked for it was the ‘Co-op’, plain and simple. But plain and simple we are not.

My primary role for the business is Warehouse Team Manager on the nightshift at Castlewood, but after overhearing 2 ladies in the queue at my local food store talking about what the Co-op has and still is doing within the community, I had one of those light bulb moments (which are rare for me) of seeing what I could do to help others. The next night I was checking the intranet for some information and I saw the opportunity for Member Pioneers within the Group.

After the interview, presentation and formal checks, my life at the Co-op changed so much. My secondary role for the business is as a Member Pioneer, looking after Pinxton, Selston and Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Being able to aid, bounce ideas with groups and facilitate community and charity groups in my area is great. But then I got the bug more and helped groups within areas with no Member Pioneers presently.

The best thing about the role… Meeting colleagues from areas of the business I would never have the chance to normally and working together, but also laugh. I’ve never laughed so much, with both colleagues, community groups and the general public. Every event I’ve attended sticks with me and puts a smile on my face.

This is ‘our’ Co-op at its best, we don’t want to just drop a token in a slot and walk away.

We want to be there at the start, middle and end. Look back at what has been achieved by the people who it matters to the most and carry on the Co-op History. Co-operation is what we do and my aim personally is to get Logistics, Food, Funeralcare, Electrical, Legal and Insurance round the table and shout together as a Co-op team what we do best for all our members.

But more importantly make sure WE as The Co-op from the top down remember where it all started, be open, honest with Values and Principles. I hope my statement has given you an insight into me and my values which is enough for you to vote for me and be your representative for the East Midlands on the Co-op.