Emily Beament

Occupation: Journalist

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

Skills and experience

A supporter of the Co-op for more than 20 years, I think it’s now ore important than ever to uphold the organisation’s values. eing an environmental journalist gives me good knowledge of ssues such as sustainable business, food and Fairtrade, and I’m killed at asking questions and holding people to account. I’m active in my community, including through volunteering, and I’m keen to make sure the views of ordinary, local Co-op members are heard.

Additional information

Over the years, I’ve used Co-op services from food to energy and Funeralcare, which has given me a good insight into many areas of the organisation, both where it works well and where challenges remain.

Through my job, I’ve had the opportunity to visit co-operatives in Africa, Indonesia and the Caribbean. I’ve seen first-hand how both the co-operative movement and Fairtrade schemes help empower people, increase equality and improve lives, which has made me even more convinced of the need to champion them.

Given what the Co-op has been through in the UK in the past few years, and in challenging and uncertain times, I want to do my bit to make sure its model for business succeeds. Closer to home, I help run a Brownie Guide group in my local area which provides a fun, safe space for girls to grow.

I keep up with what’s going on in my community, from development schemes to new wildlife projects, and support local enterprises.

If elected, I would look forward to developing more connections in the community, and finding out what local Co-op members’ values are, so I can represent them at the national level.