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

 Co-ops are one of the UK's best hidden success stories 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.

 For 2022, the annual Co-op Fortnight takes place from Monday 20 June to Sunday 3 July.

 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 create interest in #WhyCoops are great for everyone.

 During our 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

 The Leek Co-op has made a huge difference to local communities, supporting several local causes including Rotten Park Road which helps to facilitate creative writing, film and theatre workshops in Leek.

 There is also the picturesque local reservoir Rudyard Lake, which received support from the Co-op to install an educational history exhibit.

 You can find out more about these local causes and how the Co-op has supported them here - https://leek.nub.news/community/community-news/co-op-presents-donations-to-local-causes-in-leek

 Thanks to its members, the Co-op has raised £100 million to support local communities across the UK.

 This includes community fridges, improving education and organising trips for people suffering from dementia.

 When a new member joins the Co-op using theCo-op App from now until 12 July, 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 found here

 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.