Ed Stacey

Occupation: Self employed

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

Skills and experience

I shop at the Co-op every week and I have been a Co-op member for over 20 years. My work has involved business start-up and growth; business journalism (Guardian Group and local radio) and running my own businesses. I’m a committed environmentalist; served on schools and college governing bodies; active with local charities; sports and culture groups. Why the Co-op? Because it is better than shareholder commercialism.

Additional information

What have I done in the past? I led (wrote and proposed the motion) that stopped the sale of fireworks from Co-op stores as is was in conflict with Co-op principles. This was when I was Chair of the North Manchester Area Co-op committee. The future? The Co-op must remain competitive in terms of customer service - where we currently lag behind. Customer toilets? Self-serve check outs that are easy to use? Staffing on manned check outs? I know there is much more to be done. Greater focus on our work to support local good causes -and on the growth of funeral services, insurance and legal services.