Employee happiness, working conditions, entrepreneurial spirit, and good old collaboration are all hot topics right now.

Co-ops are one of the UK's best hidden success stories smack-dab in the centre of some of the best and most ethical working environments in the UK.

Once a year, co-ops of all shapes and sizes come together to show the power of cooperation during Co-op Fortnight. In 2022, Co-op Fortnight takes place from Monday, June 20 to Sunday, July 3.

This year the Co-op is doing something a little different that is uplifting and truly engaging. It is celebrating the diversity of the Co-op network so that everyone can see there's plenty of space for them to join the team.

Co-ops are a gift that gives back, no matter the nature of the business, the size or the location. The Co-op has launched the #Unwrap Co-ops campaign for the fortnight.

#UnwrapCoops will harness the power of stories to give members the chance to celebrate the positive influence their Co-op has had on their lives.

Celebrating creates an irresistible energy. Sharing people's successes inspires others to take part. Stories emotionally engage people and creates interest in #WhyCoops are great for everyone. 

During Co-op Fortnight, the company is going to broadcast its members' stories to inspire people's lives.

There are plenty to choose from because co-operatives are some of the biggest undiscovered successes in the UK, worth £40bn to the UK economy. And because they are owned and run by the people that need them, they're more resilient than other forms of business (www.uk.coop/economy). 

Co-ops are owned by the people closest to the business, not distant investors. This means beyond profits, co- ops focus how they bring value to their members and community. 

People are at the heart of what the Co-op does, and these people have intriguing stories. Find out more at https://www.uk.coop/get-involved/awareness-campaigns/co-op-fortnight

Co-ops across Shepton Mallet have made huge contributions to their local communities. You can read some of them via this link.

Evercreech Sports Club, Evercreech Primary School and Pilton Pre-School are the three locally selected causes currently being helped by the Co-op. Marie Curie Somerset was one of the previous Local Causes to benefit. A spokesman said: "We are so very grateful for the support we received from the Co-op's Local Community Fund. Their support was particularly important as the Coronavirus really impacted our fundraising and income – income upon which we rely on to be able to provide vital care for dying people and their loved ones."

When Co-op Members buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes into their Co-op Membership account and Co-op gives the same to support community organisations and local causes.

Become a member of the Co-op today and receive £3 off a £10 shop.

When a new member joins the Co-op using theCo-op Appfrom now until July 12, they will receive a digital offer for £3 off, when they spend £10 or more in our food stores.*

*Offer excludes alcohol, fuel, lottery and stamps. Members can buy excluded items in the same transaction, but the total of their basket needs to be £10 without them for the offer to work. Full Terms & Conditions can be foundhere