// Central England Co-op gross sales rise 6.4%
// Trading in the first half of 2020 generated sales of £486.4 million
Central England Co-op has reported a gross sales increase of 6.4 per cent thanks to its food business generating a trading profit of £19.3 million.
The group which operates over 400 food, funeral and floral sites across 16 counties, posted “strong” half year results to August 8, and outlined plans to tackle challenges ahead.
Trading in the first half of 2020 generated sales of £486.4 million, compared with £484.6 million last year, while trading profit reached £19.3 million, compared with £11.4 million last year.
READ MORE: Central England Co-op members rewarded with share of £570,000 payout
“Firstly, I would like to thank our colleagues for their heroic efforts during these difficult times and also our board, our members, our customers and our communities for their support and for working with us during this pandemic to ensure we stay safe and well,” Central England Co-op chief executive Debbie Robinson said.
“Safety has always been our top priority, and we have invested in a number of measures to ensure we have been able to provide a secure environment for our colleagues, members and customers.
“While there are significant challenges ahead, we are in a very strong position, with a solid balance sheet and talented people to build a sustainable Society for all.”
The group also reduced its carbon footprint by 72 per cent as part of its ongoing efforts to minimise its impact on the environment.
Central England Co-op also transferred its travel business to Midcounties Co-operative, maintaining member benefits by continuing to offer travel services as well as offering all impacted colleagues the chance to move across to Midcounties as part of the move or a position in Central England’s food or funeral business.
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