Midcounties Co-operative pays tribute to Walsall colleague for long-standing service

The acknowledgement comes as Midcounties marks its own 20^th anniversary and looks to showcase the colleagues that have been with them from the very beginning, thanking them for their service and valuable contribution.

Deby joined Midcounties when the co-operative first formed in 2005. Looking for a new challenge after 10 years working in HR, she stepped into the role of Co-op Community Administrator after her friend suggested that the position would be perfect for her.

Deby immediately thrived in her new position and was promoted to Community Admin Manager in 2011, which saw her manage a team of three and play a key role in developing one of Midcounties’ first community grant programmes.

13 years later, in 2024, Deby was instrumental in creating The Doing Good Together Fund, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. Through this Fund and other initiatives, Deby has helped Midcounties donate more than £5 million to local good causes since she joined the Society.

The Fund was introduced after Midcounties members said that they wanted the opportunity to give back more to their local communities. Through the initiative, every Midcounties site has a minimum of £500 available, with members able to nominate the local causes that mean the most to them to receive the funding. From facilitating the creation of a dementia support group to helping a neighbourhood allotment or supporting a local food bank, more than 680 community groups have benefitted.

Talking about her role at Midcounties over the last 20 years, Deby said: “Accepting my first position at The Midcounties Co-operative all those years ago is still the best move I’ve ever made. I’m so proud of all I’ve achieved alongside my wonderful team and it’s truly rewarding to be supporting such important local community organisations and groups – and to be able to call that work.

“From theatre groups and primary schools through to food banks and mental health support groups, the organisations we support are at the forefront of our communities and the support we’re able to provide through co-operation and funding is really inspiring.”

Phil Ponsonby, Chief Executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “For 20 years, our remarkable colleagues and members have been at the heart of everything we do. One of the things I’m especially proud of is the impact our colleagues, especially those like Deby who have been with us since the very beginning, have enabled us to have on our local communities.

“This anniversary is all about celebrating the good we’ve done together – growing our businesses, championing sustainability, and supporting the communities we serve. We are driven by a desire to create a fairer, more sustainable, and ethical future, as we continue to find new ways to deliver even greater value.

“Our sincere thanks go out to Deby for all she’s done for our Society and the communities she supports – the hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and it’s great to be able to recognise her contribution as we celebrate 20 years of Midcounties.”

The Midcounties Co-operative is celebrating its 20th anniversary this September, marking two decades of growth, innovation and community impact as one of the UK’s largest independent co-operatives. Since forming in 2005, Midcounties’ turnover has more than trebled, from £421 million to over £1.5 billion.

To mark the milestone, Midcounties is offering a selection of exclusive deals across its food, travel, phone, and broadband businesses. This includes offers such as 20% off selected Co-op own-label shopping essentials across all stores from now until 6^th September and he chance to win two Jet2 Holiday vouchers worth £1,020.

To find out more about the Doing Good Together Fund or to nominate a cause within your local community, visit: community.midcounties.coop/funding/