Central Regional Co‐operative Society Ltd

Details the history of the co‐operative movement and societies from the beginning in 1844 to the present day. Describes the principles on which the co‐operative ideal was based and how those still exist and are worked out in the 1990s. Discusses the Co‐operative Wholesale Society and the variety of its outlets (i.e. insurance, banking, travel,funerals, pharmacy, property, food and non‐food) and the formation of the Central Regional Co‐operative Society Ltd by the amalgamation of a number of smaller societies. Looks in detail at CRCS′s management structure, trading outlets and other activities; and also at its financial base, performance and planning. Discusses CRCS′s market position in terms of traditional competitors and new ones such as the German based Aldi.