We got started because we felt there was a better way of doing business; one that would make a difference for its customers and the communities that we live in. To this very day those same values remain, despite having been founded over 150 years ago. In that time, we’ve grown to become one of the largest, totally independent businesses in the region, with over 200 stores and 4,000 employees. We’re set up very differently from someone like Tesco or Waitrose. We don’t have big corporate shareholders; our shareholders are the people who shop with us: our members. That means the decisions we make about how we run our business are always done with our shoppers in mind. If you shop with us regularly and aren't yet a member you can join us today: www.eastofengland.coop/join What also sets us apart from ordinary businesses is that we use profit to bring action to important local issues; by shopping with us you can help us invest back into the local community where support is needed most. From funding vital equipment for local hospitals to support for local food banks, donating to local good causes plays a key role in what we do.