Celebrating Co-operatives Fortnight

Every year, Co-operatives Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate a different way of doing business, one that puts people, communities and purpose before profit.

At Daily Bread Co-operative, Co-operatives Fortnight is particularly meaningful because being a co-operative is at the heart of everything we do.

Unlike many businesses, we don't have outside shareholders expecting ever-increasing returns. Instead, we are a worker co-operative, owned and run by the people who work here. Decisions are made collectively, and everyone receives the same rate of pay regardless of their role.

Co-operatives come in many forms, from retail societies and housing co-ops to community energy projects and agricultural co-operatives. What they share is a commitment to a set of internationally recognised values and principles, including democracy, equality, self-help, social responsibility and concern for community.

These values matter now more than ever.

As communities face economic uncertainty, environmental challenges and increasing pressure on local services, co-operatives offer a practical alternative. They demonstrate that businesses can be successful while also being fair, ethical and accountable to the people they serve.

For over 46 years trading but in fact we are 50 since we were founded in 1976, Daily Bread has sought to put these principles into practice. We stock products that reflect our values, support ethical and sustainable suppliers, reduce unnecessary packaging through our refill services, and provide an alternative way of trading that prioritises people over profit.

Being a co-operative doesn't mean we are immune from challenges. Like many independent businesses, we face rising costs and changing shopping habits. But our co-operative structure helps us remain focused on the long term and on the needs of our members, customers and wider community.

This Co-operatives Fortnight, we encourage everyone to learn more about the co-operative movement and the difference it makes. Whether you shop at a co-operative, bank with one, buy your energy from one or become a member of one, you are helping to support businesses that are owned and controlled by people rather than distant investors.

Thank you for supporting Daily Bread Co-operative and for helping us continue to demonstrate that another way of doing business is possible.

People before profit. Community before shareholders. Co-operation in action.

Daily Bread has been trading in Northampton since 1980.
We are owned and managed by our workers.
Everyone is paid the same hourly rate.
We stock over 3,000 products, including many ethical, organic and Fairtrade options.
We offer refill services to help reduce packaging waste.
We are part of a worldwide co-operative movement with over 1 billion members globally.