A new app (launched on 19 June) will help consumers who want to support co-operative and ethical businesses, by allowing them to search for local providers offering a wide range of products and services.
The app, called Co-operate, will also allow users to unlock discount vouchers for use in over 11,000 independently owned co-operatives outlets included in the app. Co-operative covers every postcode in the UK, including food stores, pubs, restaurants, energy providers and travel companies.
The app has been created by Co-operatives UK, the trade organisation for the co-operative sector that campaigns to encourage greater co-operation, and is intended to tap into a growing desire from consumers to support socially responsible businesses.
Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: "With the ongoing economic troubles there is an increasing appetite amongst consumers to support a grassroots, ethical economy.
"One billion people around the world are members of co-operatives. Co-operate will make it easier for even more people to find and support these businesses.
"At the same time we're hoping to provide a tangible demonstration of the power of co-operation both to reward consumers and to support the continued success of co-operative organisations."
The launch of the app is just one of the initiatives to support International Year of Co-operatives, helping to highlight the size and diversity of the co-operative sector. It also marks the start of the build up to Co-operatives Fortnight (23 June to 7 July) where co-operatives across the UK will be working together to raise awareness of the benefits co-operatives bring to their members and communities.
Ed continues: "Everyone in the UK has a wide range of co-operative businesses that are local to them or accessible online. As a result of shopping with co-operative organisations people can make a positive choice to strengthen the economy of their local community and support a fairer and more socially responsible business model.
"By downloading Co-operate, even more people can be part of the good news. It is a tool for a better world."
Co-operate will launch simultaneously across the UK and US (in partnership with the National Co-operative Business Association in the US) on Android and iPhone, with an iPad version to follow shortly after.
Download the co-op app here.
Content produced and controlled by The Co-operative.
