A regional co-operative, which has a commitment to sustainability and its local communities, has ranked in the top five of privately-owned, independent companies in the Solent region.
The Solent 250 listing for 2021 looks at turnover figures of companies based in the Solent region - most of Hampshire (south of Basingstoke) and parts of Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex.
The listing reflects the valuable contribution businesses make to the UK economy and the latest figures show that the combined turnover of the Solent 250 companies has continued to grow.
The Solent 250 is an annual listing compiled by HSBC UK on behalf of The Business Magazine and highlights that ‘Solent 250 businesses have demonstrated their versatility and the listing reflects the valuable contribution they make to the UK economy'.
Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Southern Co-op, which runs retail, funeral and coffee services across the south of England, said, 'In the last year, all of our colleagues have had to face unprecedented challenges in both front line businesses and our central support teams.
'Although the Solent 250 reflects back on financial statements for periods that predate the spread of the coronavirus, it is a welcome reflection on all the incredible companies we have in our region.
'Each of us plays an important role in keeping the local economy going and it is a reflection on our colleagues' hard work that we are positioned at number five in the listing.'
As a co-operative, Southern Co-op has a purpose beyond profit with financial rewards being distributed between its members, local communities and reinvested into the business.
In 2020, it unveiled a new target to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base looking at emissions which fall under its direct operational control and influence.