A message to members from our chair Jane Watts

This is the move proposing a transfer of engagements to Midcounties Co-operative Ltd. It has the full support of the board and management. It’s also backed by our founder, Vivian Woodell. 

For the motion to be carried, we require the votes of two-thirds of those members voting either in person or online.

We believe this transfer gives The Phone Co-op, the business we have built over the past two decades, the best chance for growth and continued success in the extremely competitive telecoms environment in which we find ourselves today.
The current state of the industry, and our position within it, has been outlined in great detail in our ‘Strategy 2018-2022’ brochure and in previous communications. 

We believe that a transfer of engagements would support this strategy in three key respects. 

1. Shared values
We are both committed to the principles of co-operation. A partnership with Midcounties – and the increased market presence this would bring – would help continue our vision of providing a truly co-operative option for all our customers..
2. A natural synergy
Midcounties is building a broad utilities offering alongside its existing Co-op Energy business. The Phone Co-op, as a co-operative telecoms provider, fits naturally into this wider utilities base.
3. Greater purchasing power
Midcounties is the largest independent co-op in the UK. Our residential strategy is to increase our scale. We believe that having access to the huge Midcounties residential customer base will be invaluable in helping us compete effectively in this market.

The Phone Co-op is, and will remain, a unique business in the telecoms industry. Joining forces with Midcounties will mean we can build our business and implement our future strategy more effectively and powerfully. 

What will never change is our unswerving commitment to our members and customers, and the ethical and sustainable ideals that are so important to us and to you.

If you agree with us, please help us keep our vision on track and vote for Motion One on Saturday.

I look forward to seeing you there on the day.
Yours in co-operation,

Jane Watts
Chair of The Phone Co-op