The out of office was on, but it wasn’t long until co-ops were on my mind…

The reason? Something that gets me animated – and that I’m passionate to speak about and support others with – co-operatives! 

This picture represents one of the 121 Co-ops registered in the beautiful country of Jamaica, where I was on holiday with my family.  

Whilst pictures of blue skies, sea and lots of food remain a big part of my camera roll, I’ve looked back at this picture a number of times since returning, and it has me inspired me to continue my work in 2025. 

I’ve been working at The Co-operative Bank for 20 years, and have specialised in banking services for co-operatives for the last two.  

This year, it’s been great to see a lot of noise around co-operatives thanks to the United Nations declaring 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. And with 3 million co-operatives globally, and 1.2 billion members, what’s not to celebrate? 

I also enjoy working closely with the team at Co-operatives UK. There are a number of ways we’re able to support new co-operatives coming through the Business Support for Co-ops programme, or new co-operative registering through the incorporation tool. I’m proud that, since 2016, the Bank has committed over £3 million to support co-operatives nationally through tailored support, mentoring, digital tools and events. 

I work closely with the Membership team at Co-operatives UK to support members who may be struggling to get the right advice and support elsewhere.

As the original ethical bank, we’re experts in supporting co-operatives and credit unions to make a difference in their communities. Our 10 consecutive years of awards evidences that we’re the best at what we do!  

Prize draw for our Charity and Community customers

To mark a decade of success for our award-winning Charity and Community banking services, we’ve launched a prize draw for our Charity and Community customers. New and existing customers with at least £5,000 held in an eligible account* before 31 July 2025 will automatically be entered into the prize draw where one lucky business could win £10,000. 

Charities, co-operatives, credit unions and community interest companies are eligible for a Charity and Community Account (previously known as the Community Directplus account), which offers free everyday banking. 

Our loyal customers don’t need to do anything. But if you’re not a Bank customer, and your co-operative is considering a switch, then this is the perfect time to come and speak to us at The Co-operative Bank – and be in with a chance of winning an incredible £10,000.

The winning business will be announced shortly after 31 July 2025, when the draw is taken.  

*Eligible accounts include the Charity and Community Bank Account alongside any linked savings account (Business Select Instant Access, 35 Day Notice and 95 Day Notice).