our history

1901 – 1950

<< 1917 1919 1942 1945 >>

Photograph of Alfred Waterson, the first Co-operative MP

1917

Co-operative Party established, as a Department of the Co-operative Union, leading to direct Parliamentary and local government representation under an electoral agreement with the Labour Party.

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1919

Co-operative College established, first based in Manchester and relocated to Stanford Hall, Loughborough in 1945, which it vacated in 2001.

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Photograph of Co-operative College lecture hall

Link to photograph of first self-service shop

1942

First self-service shop opened by the London Co-operative Society. By 1950, 90% of all the self-service stores in the UK were operated by co-operatives.

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1945

National Co-operative Chemists (NCC) established, becoming the first national chain of co-operatively-owned retail outlets.

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This is our history – be part of our future and join us today.