Don Morris, CEO of Radstock Co-operative Society has been appointed chair of Co-operatives UK, a network organisation which exists to promote, develop and unite thousands of member-owned businesses and to grow the co-operative economy.
Don Morris has served as a director on the board of Co-operatives UK since 2014 and has been instrumental in driving through change and influencing strategy during his term of office.
As CEO of Radstock Co-op, an independent, consumer co-operative, Don is able to bring first-hand knowledge of both the challenges facing co-operative businesses and the benefits working collaboratively can bring when organisations develop strong relationships for the good of the wider community.
Don Morris’s appointment is testament to his dedication and commitment to the co-operative movement and to the contribution he has made in the role of vice-chair of Co-operatives UK in driving the agenda for change and modernisation which must be a key contributing factor to him being appointed to the role of Chair.
This is recognition for Radstock Co-operative Society indeed, as under Don Morris’s leadership, the business has tripled in size, both in terms of the number of retail outlets and its annual turnover. In addition, the ambitious plans for the Society’s 1,000-acre dairy farm, has been turned into reality as it forges ahead with the installation of a state-of-the-art rotary milking parlour, new cowsheds and environmentally responsible waste management/re-cycling systems.
At last Friday’s Co-operatives UK’s AGM, Don Morris said, “I take on this challenge at the beginning of Co-op Fortnight, as we showcase the ways that co-ops across the UK have supported their communities during the pandemic, and look towards rebuilding a fairer, greener and more inclusive economy.
“In this moment of crisis, co-ops are a great way for people to create decent new livelihoods, keep viable jobs in their community, breathe new life into local assets and enterprise, and convert newfound community spirit into transformative social action.
“Co-ops will be instrumental in helping our communities and country to 'build back better' from COVID-19. We can help meet the biggest challenge of our time, by rapidly reducing environmental harms while still living in a way that engenders widespread wellbeing. And we can do it in ways that are fair, democratic, empowering and aspirational.”