We are very excited to announce that Chelmsford Star has been awarded ‘Best For Community Impact’ in the National Business Charity Awards, held in London last night, beating off international competition from the likes of Aldi and Prudential.

We were recognised for the sheer volume of charity work and community initiatives we have produced in the region over our 150 year history, and in particular our Charity of the Year programme and the fact that a third of our turnover is reinvested into the Essex economy in some way.

Head of Membership & Marketing, Kevin Bennett, said, “Thirty-three pence in every pound people spend in our shops supports Essex in some way. As a co-op, this is what we do, it’s our whole point for existing, it is in our DNA. That being said, it is fantastic to be recognised for the fact we punch above our weight. It felt a bit like David and Goliath tonight, as some of the businesses we were up against operate in more counties than we have stores!”