> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Lichfield-based retailer named as one of the top five UK co-operative companies
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-based-retailer-named-as-on-of-the-top-five-uk-co-operative-companies/
- Published: 2020-06-14T07:58:00.000Z
- Updated: 2020-06-16T06:24:10.000Z
- Description: A Lichfield-based business has been named as one of the top five co-operatives in the UK.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Business, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:14, News

A Lichfield-based business has been named as one of the top five co-operatives in the UK.

Central England Co-op, which has more than 400 food stores, funeral homes, florists and travel shops jumped up one place from last year in the list of co-operative businesses based on turnover.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op chief executive, said:

![Debbie Robinson](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/debbie-robinson-15.jpg)

Debbie Robinson

> “This report showcases the importance of co-operative businesses and how our co-operative difference is what sets us apart.  
>  
> “Our member-owned, community focused, co-operative business achieved this result thanks to the support of our colleagues, customers and Members pushing us to become a diverse, progressive, relevant and inclusive society.  
>  
> “We will continue to highlight our point of difference – our co-operative values and principles – as we position ourselves at the heart of communities we serve and aim to thrive as a successful independent society.”  
>  
> Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op

The result of The Co-op Economy report means that Central England Co-op is the highest placed independent retail co-operative, with Co-op Group, John Lewis, Arla Foods and the National Merchant Buying Society filling out the rest of the top slots.

The data also revealed that the UK’s 7,063 co-operative companies have a combined turnover of £38.2billion, up £350million from 2019.

Nick Matthews, chair of Co-operatives UK, said:

> “There’s an appetite for a different economy to emerge from this crisis, with many people talking about the need to ‘build back better’.  
>  
> “If we are to rebuild a fairer economy, provide decent livelihoods and support communities we need more co-ops, mutuals and social enterprises.”  
>  
> Nick Matthews, Co-operatives UK