May 27, 2011 12.39 pm This story is over 154 months old

Co-op reports increased half-year sales

Up! Lincolnshire Co-operative recorded a 3.8% increase in sales and colleagues got bonus of 80% to their weekly wage.

Lincolnshire Co-operative colleagues have benefited from a bonus of 80% to their weekly wage after the Society recorded a 3.8% increase in total sales.

Sales in Lincolnshire Co-operative’s 70 foodstores have climbed 3.6% during the half-year. During the half-year, which runs from September until March, total sales grew from £135 million to £140 million.

The half-year saw unprecedented bad weather in November and December including heavy snow. However, the whole team worked to keep outlets trading and minimise disruption.

Chief Executive Ursula Lidbetter said: “As well as the continuing effect of the economic downturn, we all had to battle the elements when the worst weather for many years hit in November and December. I’m proud of our staff as they have worked hard to achieve this positive result despite the challenges they’ve faced.”

The number of prescriptions issued in the half-year at Lincolnshire Co-op’s 47 pharmacies was up by 3.3%, which helped mitigate another cut in NHS revenue.

Lincolnshire Co-operative also runs its own programmes including the Safer Measures scheme which aims to give young people education about alcohol. Since the project started in September 3,000 pupils at 23 schools and colleges including in Lincoln, Scunthorpe, Horncastle, Spalding and Sleaford have been reached.

Ursula Lidbetter went onto say “We’re owned by our members and have been since we were formed 150 years ago. All of our profits go back to them, whether through dividend, supporting local good causes or investing in new and improved services.”

Lincolnshire Co-operative celebrates this year 150 years since formation.

Source: Lincolnshire Co-opertive