Independent co-operative societies across the UK are saving more than £30 million a year through a collaborative procurement and energy management programme, according to new figures released by the OurCoop Procurement Team.

The consortium of Independent Society Members (ISMs) has reached its third anniversary having jointly managed contracts worth almost £198 million over the past three years, highlighting the financial benefits of co-operatives working together.

The programme brings together societies including OurCoop, Scotmid Co-op, Heart of England Co-op, Tamworth Co-op, Radstock Co-op and Channel Islands Co-op.

Through shared purchasing power and expertise, participating societies have sought to reduce costs, manage risk and improve sustainability amid ongoing inflationary pressures and rising operating costs.

Projects delivered through the collaboration include a wind power purchase agreement involving five co-operative societies, standardised refrigeration systems across six societies, joint facilities management initiatives, shared retail technology platforms, energy management programmes and solar energy solutions.

OurCoop head of producrement and net zero, Paul Lockwood said: "This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when co-operatives choose to work together. Over the last three years, colleagues from across the ISM network have shared expertise, challenged traditional approaches and combined their collective scale to deliver significant value for their societies and members.

"These savings are helping co-operatives strengthen their businesses, invest in their communities and build greater resilience for the future. Whether large or small, every participating society has played a role in making this programme a success. The results show that by working together we can achieve outcomes that would be difficult to deliver alone."

The programme has been supported by procurement, energy, property, IT, facilities and operational specialists from participating societies, alongside backing from ISM chief executives.

Its achievements come as co-operatives mark Co-op Fortnight, which runs from 22 June to 5 July and is themed "Co-operate and We Can Change the World".

Organisers said the £30 million annual saving demonstrates the practical impact of co-operative working, delivering commercial, environmental and social benefits while putting the co-operative principle of co-operation among co-operatives into practice.

---