Philip Hartwell

Occupation: Retired

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

Skills and experience

All my life I have been involved with the Co-op movement: from Group and Co-ops UK to Regional Retail Societies, and our local town Transport Co-op. Co-op businesses are different: they are ethical by nature; community centred by design; and better by miles! As the Co-op goes from strength to strength, if elected I would strive to keep members at the centre, leading on issues such as loneliness, modern slavery, recycling and protecting the environment.

Additional information

I first joined the Co-op when I was 16. I am a retired teacher with three grown up daughters. I have served in various co-ops large and small with roles including Director, Vice-President and chair of Audit, Remco and Membership committees.

Co-op businesses are different: • Ethical by nature, • Community centred by design • and better by miles!

I am proud to be a member of this movement and I think we should all shout about it from the rooftops.

Our Co-op is strong and vibrant, but to build for the future we must: • Continue to invest • Respond quicker to the needs of members • Promote our ideals to the next generation of Co-operators • Make our work in the community more visible • Sell the Co-operative difference

Our Values and Principles resonate today more than ever – there is a better way than just for profit. The past few years have seen difficult decisions across our business. The Members Council has a critical role to hold the Board to account in terms of our Values and Principles. I believe that I have the skills and background to help make that happen. I am a good communicator and work well in a group, receptive to new ideas and with the persistence to drive things through.

As the Members’ Council itself gets more confident it can make sure that the member remains at the centre of the thinking. As the largest co-op in the country we have the responsibility to be a leader in the movement. Recently we have taken high profile initiatives such as tackling loneliness and modern slavery and we have been trail blazers in terms of recycling and the environment. At the same time our Co-operative School Academies are a source of pride. These all carry the message that we are more than just a shop.

I see IT as key area to develop in the business not only in ensuring that the right goods are on the shelves but also to sell to, communicate with and involve the next generation of co-operators. Young people are natural co-operators, but their shopping habits and life pressures are different from the generations before and we need to change the way we sell to match them.

We need to be more visible locally, with projects that encourage communities to behave co-operatively (rather than being just another company that sponsors groups). We need to promote local, co-operative ventures supporting existing members but also attracting and involving new members, particularly from the younger age groups. We should support other co-ops and we must promote our lead in areas such as Fairtrade to an increasingly ‘ethically aware’ population.

Our colleagues play a vital role in promoting co-operation and their experience is invaluable. We must find more ways to recognise their commitment and learn from their experience. A strong Co-op is good for customers, colleagues and the community.

I hope you will give me the opportunity to continue my involvement in this great movement.