UK retailer Nisa has said it is joining trade association Co-operatives UK.
The member-owned food and drink retailer said the move would allow it to "strengthen" its mutual style business model.
With a turnover of more than GBP1.5bn (US$2.3bn), Nisa demonstrates that independent retailers can survive in the UK market, which is in the main dominated by the large supermarkets.
Nisa offers its members increased buying power, a store support package and distribution services. Nisa said it will now look to "develop its services" to ensure that its members receive the "widest and most effective range possible".
Nisa joins Co-operatives UK as a mutual member
Nisa, the UK's leading member owned organisation of independent food and drinks retailers, has announced that it is to join Co-operatives UK, the trade association for co-operatives and mutuals.
The decision allows Nisa to strengthen its already strong mutual style model and offer to more than 1,000 independent retail businesses across the UK, which it provides with key services that help them remain competitive in the food and drink markets.
Nisa provides its small business members with buying power and a store support package as well as distribution services through its partnership with supply chain DHL. Despite the tough economic climate, Nisa has flourished, with a turnover of more than £1.5billion.
The organisation is now looking forward to strengthen its mutual advantages, of high trust and good value in a highly competitive retail market and to develop its services further to ensure that its members receive the widest and most effective range possible.
Neil Turton, Nisa chief executive officer, said: "As a member owned organisation, Nisa works for its members, providing them with significant benefits to help them develop their businesses. We are pleased to have become a member of Co-operatives UK and look forward to working with them to promote and develop co-operative enterprises."
Ed Mayo, secretary general of Co-operatives UK, said: "The UK retail market has a vibrant and dynamic mutual presence, with consumer-owned, employee-owned and enterprise-owned brands on the high street. Co-operatives and mutuals are thriving in the UK as people turn to more trusted businesses. Nisa is a standout example of this - by providing a useful service to independent retailers it is growing itself whilst enabling local retailers to prosper in difficult times.
"We are delighted to welcome Nisa as a leading mutual enterprise into membership so it can strengthen its offer to members."
Original source: Nisa
