Nisa and The Purpose Coalition Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity Impact Report by Social Mobility Pledge

Nisa and The Purpose Coalition Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity Impact Report

Forewords

0.1 Rt Hon Justine Greening Chair of the Purpose Coalition and Former Secretary of State for Education

Local shops are the lifeblood of communities across the UK. They serve as much more than just a place to buy daily essentials; they are integral to our country’s social fabric, providing vital services and fostering connections. At the heart of this ecosystem is Nisa. From its beginnings in 1977, Nisa has grown into a formidable force in the retail sector, contributing significantly to the UK economy and serving approximately 1,400 independent retail partners across nearly 4,000 stores, plus wholesale, strategic and corporate business partners.

Nisa’s innovative approach, led by its Evolution store format, demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of consumers and retailers alike. Beyond its commercial success, Nisa is deeply committed to social impact and community empowerment. Through its charitable arm, Making a Difference Locally (MADL), Nisa has raised an impressive £18 million for good causes, supporting vital initiatives in healthcare, education, and social welfare.

As the country has grappled with a period of immense challenge, the need for purpose-led businesses has never been greater. Organisations like Nisa, operating directly in communities far away from Westminster, are delivering innovative solutions to the challenges of social mobility, breaking down the barriers to opportunity across Britain.

This report, in partnership with the Purpose Coalition, sheds light on Nisa’s unique role as a driver of social mobility and economic opportunity in communities across the UK. By pooling best practices and identifying areas for further

improvement, Nisa and the Purpose Coalition aim to amplify the organisation’s impact and break down barriers to opportunity. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative initiatives, and an underpinning commitment, Nisa continues to make a significant imprint on the retail landscape while enriching the lives of the communities it serves.

Nisa’s work exemplifies the essence of purposeled business. Their focus on creating value for both their customers and communities aligns seamlessly with the Purpose Coalition’s mission to foster social mobility and build a fairer, more inclusive society. By driving forward initiatives that support local economies, promote health and wellbeing, and champion diversity and inclusion, Nisa not only strengthens its own business but also contributes profoundly to the broader social good.

It is with great pride that we present this report, highlighting the critical role that Nisa plays in driving positive change. Their story is a testament to the power of combining commercial success with a deep commitment to social responsibility, showcasing how businesses can thrive while making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

Peter Batt Managing Director of Nisa

At Nisa, we pride ourselves on being more than just a network of local convenience stores. We are a community, a partner, and a force for positive change. As Justine referenced, Nisa has evolved significantly, and we’re proud of the flexibility we have to be able to serve more than 1,400 business-to-business partners and all the communities in which they operate.

I feel very passionately about each and every one of our independent retailers and the important role they play on our high streets and in our local communities. I truly believe that their continued success is vital in creating a thriving, innovative and sustainable retail environment.

It’s clear that the sector benefits from the personal touch and deep understanding independent shopkeepers can offer, and their unique ability to tailor their proposition to local customer needs, and despite the ongoing challenge of retail crime and high operating costs, retailers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to serving and enhancing their local areas. As a cornerstone of society, we have a responsibility to use our platform and influence, to ensure they are here for years to come, bringing with them a positive impact on their local society and wider environment.

Our partnership with the Purpose Coalition has allowed us to benchmark our social impact against a set of robust Purpose Goals.

These goals help us identify areas where we can improve and ensure that we are making the most significant possible impact on breaking down barriers to opportunity. By focusing on key areas such as extending enterprise, building sustainable communities, fair career progression, health and wellbeing, and achieving equality through diversity and inclusion, we are dedicated to creating a better future for all.

As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: to empower our partners, support our communities, and drive positive change. The insights in this report will guide us as we continue to innovate and strive for excellence in everything we do. We are committed to not just being a part of the independent retail landscape but to enriching the lives of the people we serve every day.

As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: to empower our partners, support our communities, and drive positive change.

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0.3 Nick Forbes CBE

Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission

In today’s world, businesses play a critical role in shaping the social landscape, influencing not just the economy but also the fabric of our communities. It is within this context that Nisa stands out as a purpose-driven organisation committed to making a lasting social impact. Local businesses like Nisa are essential in bridging the gap between opportunity and those who need it most, particularly in under-resourced communities where barriers to social mobility are deeply entrenched.

Within The Purpose Coalition and our work with our members through the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, our focus is on identifying and dismantling the systemic obstacles that prevent individuals from realising their potential. We strive to create tangible change across a number of sectors and Nisa’s involvement in this mission is a clear example of how businesses can align commercial success with a commitment to social responsibility.

As this report highlights, the organisation is not only breaking down barriers to opportunity but actively building the infrastructure that allows

people to thrive. Whether through enhancing career progression within its own workforce or driving enterprise opportunities in local economies, Nisa’s work reflects the essence of purpose-led business. This report is a testament to the power of collaboration. By working together with The Purpose Coalition and key partners, Nisa is demonstrating how businesses can become pivotal forces for good, shaping a fairer and more inclusive society, showing that a commitment to social impact is not only the right thing to do but also a driver of long-term business success.

We strive to create tangible change across a number of sectors and Nisa’s involvement in this mission is a clear example of how businesses can align commercial success with a commitment to social responsibility.

1. An Introduction to Nisa and its Purpose

1.1. A Background to Nisa

Nisa has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1977. Initially founded with the mission to become a preferred partner for both retailers and wholesalers, Nisa has undergone significant evolution over the past four decades. This evolution has focused on fostering the prosperity of retailers across Britain.

Today, Nisa plays a significant role in the retail sector, serving approximately 1,400 independent partners responsible for nearly 4,000 stores, corporate and strategic business partners, plus supplying several wholesale businesses, Nisa turns over £1.4 billion a year.

The business’ journey took a significant step in May 2018 when the Co-op completed its acquisition of Nisa Retail Limited. This transaction provides an environment in which independent retailers can flourish. Primarily it brings enhanced buying capability, allowing Nisa Partners to trade their businesses in the way they choose. As a result of combined buying synergies, the acquisition brings the benefit of competitive prices and promotions for Nisa retailers and access to a deeper range and industry leading own brand proposition.

Nisa also provides its retailers with the option to operate under various fascia options - including Nisa Local and Nisa Extra - which offers a degree of flexibility and leverages the strength of the Nisa brand, in addition to the option to trade under a family name, which is often the case for long-standing and well-recognised small family businesses serving local communities.

Innovation has been a cornerstone of Nisa’s wider strategy, as demonstrated by the introduction of its Evolution store format. This format is tailored to meet the needs of diverse demographics and shopping preferences through a modular development approach. This approach allows retailers to adapt to emerging trends, which can improve footfall and sales performance. The Evolution format has shown promising results, with retailers reporting an average sales increase of 12 per cent following conversion to the new format.

More widely, Nisa provides comprehensive support packages to its retailers. These include dedicated retail-focused teams, sophisticated category management systems, staff training facilities, extensive marketing strategies and an awardwinning social value initiative. This support helps retailers navigate the complexities of the market, embed themselves at the heart of the communities they serve and improve their overall performance.

Throughout its history, Nisa has remained committed to its founding mission while continually adapting to the changing needs of the retail sector. The Co-op’s acquisition and ongoing innovations - like Epos systems and software and the Evolution store format - highlight its dedication to supporting retailers and improving consumer experiences. As Nisa continues to grow, it maintains its focus on empowering its partners and playing a key role in the communities they serve.

1.2. An Introduction to Nisa’s Purpose

Nisa, beyond its commercial ventures, is deeply rooted in community engagement, driven by a strong commitment to social impact through its charitable arm, the registered charity Making a Difference Locally (MADL).

Since its establishment in 2008, Nisa’s charity has raised over £18 million for causes in under-resourced communities across the UK.

The charity operates with a clear mission to foster stronger local communities, ensuring the support it gives is directed towards small charities, good causes and community groups within the vicinity of Nisa stores, at the discretion of the retailer.

Nisa’s approach to charitable work extends well beyond financial contributions. It actively promotes community support, with its retailers playing a crucial role. Retailers generate funds based on their purchases of Co-op own-label products, then nominate local charities or causes to receive donations, fostering a sense of ownership and active involvement within their communities. The charity also collaborates with regional and national organisations identified by trustees and retailers through focus group work to address broader community needs.

The scope of Nisa’s community support is wide-ranging, encompassing a number of critical barriers to opportunity including education, healthcare, environmental conservation and social welfare.

Nisa’s enduring legacy is not just defined by its commercial success but also by its underpinning commitment to social impact through community empowerment. The organisation continuously seeks to improve its practices and explore new avenues for contributing to social good.

In partnership with the Purpose Coalition, Nisa is pooling its best practices to review and identify areas for further improvement, ensuring it can go even further in its mission to support and uplift local communities.

Through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives, and unwavering dedication, Nisa continues to make a significant imprint on the retail landscape while enriching the lives of the communities it serves. This focus on social impact is a testament to Nisa’s holistic approach to business, where success is measured not just in financial terms but also by the positive change brought to society.

The scope of Nisa’s community support is wide-ranging, encompassing a number of critical barriers to opportunity including education, healthcare, environmental conservation and social welfare.

2. Breaking Down Britain’s Barriers

The Purpose Coalition measures organisations against a set of sector-relevant social impact criteria. The Purpose Goals outline 15 interconnected impact barriers to opportunity. By drawing on expertise provided by academia and business, the goals are designed to specifically address some of the unique challenges facing the UK.

The Coalition’s cross-party work brings together the UK’s most innovative leaders, Parliamentarians and businesses to improve, share best practice, and develop solutions for improving the role that organisations can play for their customers, colleagues and communities by breaking down barriers to opportunity.

The Purpose Coalition is chaired by Rt Hon Justine Greening, the UK’s former Secretary of State for Education, Transport and International Development; and led by Nick Forbes CBE, who recently served in Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, who leads the Purpose Coalition’s work with the Labour Party; Rt Hon Anne Milton, former Minister for Apprenticeships and a Minister in the Department for Health and Social Care; and Lord Walney, former No 10 Advisor to Gordon Brown and Labour Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness.

The Goals were designed following Justine Greening’s experience - as Secretary of State for International Development - leading the UK’s delegation to the convention of the United Nations (UN) that established the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Purpose Goals apply the SDGs in a UK context.

The SDGs as interlinked goals emphasised the interdependent environmental, social, and economic aspects of development and centralised the role of sustainability. At the time, Justine recognised how transformative a common set of accessible but ambitious goals could be in galvanising action to effect change. After leaving Government in 2019, Justine established the Purpose Coalition and Social Mobility Pledge with the intention of galvanising UK economic and social actors to improve social mobility in the UK.

The Purpose Goals focus on key life stages and highlight the main issues that need to be resolved to break down barriers to opportunity in the UK. The Goals are intended to guide ambition, provoke action, and measure progress.

Nisa is active across all 15 Purpose Goals but is specifically focused on five specific areas of the most impact in its area of expertise – making a difference locally.

3. Benchmarking Nisa’s Social Impact Against the Purpose Goals

Nisa is working with the Purpose Coalition to break down the barriers to opportunity for its colleagues, its retailers and the communities it serves.

Throughout the Impact Report process, Nisa’s current social impact has been tracked and assessed through a number of strategic focus group research sessions across internal and external Nisa stakeholders. These findings have

then been benchmarked against the Purpose Goals framework to share best practice, pool current impact, and assess areas where the organisation can go even further.

The Purpose Goals focus on key life stages and highlight the main issues that need to be resolved to break down barriers to opportunity in the UK.

3.1. Purpose Goal 6 – Fair Career Progression

Opportunities for career advancement for all should be based on ability and potential, not connections.

The chance to keep developing once in work and progress in a career isn’t just important from the perspective of increasing your earnings, it’s about how you can continue to feel challenged and learn even once you’ve left your school years behind.

Businesses like Nisa that provide those opportunities to keep growing and moving forward will have a higher level of colleague retention.

3.1.1. Inclusive Progression

Nisa’s commitment to fair career progression is exemplified through its comprehensive training and development programmes. Each is designed to equip employees with the skills needed for their current roles and to support their career aspirations.

By investing in the growth and advancement of colleagues across a wide range of pathways, Nisa is delivering fair and equitable career progression for all.

Central to this commitment is the comprehensive use of consistent talent reviews conducted by line managers. These reviews serve as a crucial mechanism for identifying and actively managing talent right across the organisation. Through structured processes, Nisa ensures that colleagues’ skills, capabilities, and potential for growth are recognised and nurtured, laying the foundation for personal and career development.

All colleagues have access to a Learning and Development Hub, an intranet-style website with hundreds of learning and development opportunities to suit all colleagues’ career development.

Nisa colleagues also benefit from the Co-op’s ‘Colleagues of Colour’ leadership development programme, specifically designed to support and develop future leaders from diverse backgrounds.

This proactive approach enables the organisation to identify individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with high potential and provide them with the necessary support and strategic development opportunities to progress within the business.

Through its training and development initiatives and talent management processes, Nisa creates an environment where employees have equal opportunities to pursue their career goals and aspirations. By investing in talent development and providing clear pathways for advancement, Nisa empowers its workforce to reach their full potential and contribute to its success while promoting fairness and equity in career progression.

3.1.2. Prioritising Learning and Development

Nisa places a high priority on learning and development, recognising it as a cornerstone for both personal and organisational growth.

It offers Development Champions right across the business, who play a key role in promoting and facilitating continuous learning among employees and exist to support colleagues to navigate the Learning and Development hub, ensuring they make the most of this brilliant resource.

Regular one-to-one conversations are standard practice with the Champions, with all colleagues having a mandatory focus on career development with their line managers at least once every six months. These conversations ensure that career development remains a priority and that employees receive the guidance and support they need to progress.

Critically, many of the opportunities for growth and development at Nisa are colleague-led, allowing employees to take initiative in their own career paths.

All of the colleague networks (ERGs) run a mentor scheme, enabling any colleague to sign up as a mentor or mentee. This helps to foster knowledge exchange and professional growth across the businesses.

Through these varied learning and development opportunities, Nisa not only invests in the skills and capabilities of its workforce but also promotes an inclusive and supportive environment where all employees contribute directly to this process and take control of their own careers.

The Strive Network is one of the six colleague networks (employee resource groups, ERG) that Nisa colleagues benefit from being part of the Co-op Group.

Strive is dedicated to supporting young colleagues with their personal and career development. The Network leverages the resources and experience available across all business areas and generations, aiming to provide comprehensive support to its members. Strive prioritises listening to colleagues and using their feedback to advise the business on improving the Co-op’s wider youth offer.

Following a recent re-fresh of the brand and appointment of a new Chair, a Nisa colleague, and a new active committee, the Strive Network has grown significantly. With over 400 active members, the network celebrated over 30 young colleagues for the Power of Youth Day by creating case studies highlighting their impressive achievements, and sharing them far and wide to inspire other young colleagues to progress their careers across Nisa and the Co-op. They also assisted over 20 young colleagues to find mentors for their next roles, as well as hosting five upskilling events that included a mix of hybrid and in-person formats over 2023/24.

Strive collaborates with the other colleague networks (ERGs) Aspire, the Women’s network, Represent, for disabled colleagues, Respect, for the LGBTQ+ community, Rise, for colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds, and PACT – Parents and Carers Together. Together they collaborate on events and informational sessions and hold networking events. Whilst the networks are specialist groups, all colleagues are welcome and encouraged to join to inspire everybody to become allies.

Each year in March, the Strive Network marks National Careers Week with a series of events over a fortnight. This year the network ran various sessions over Teams, covering topics such as Squiggly Careers, Personal Development, Apprenticeships, and Discovering Co-op Careers with a “Day in the Life Of” feature that gave colleagues ideas of the skills and experiences needed to move into each career.

In its most successful event to date, Strive organised an expo-style Careers Fair in June. This event provided employees with the opportunity to learn about various careers and roles available across Nisa and the Co-op. Where colleagues were interested in a particular role, they requested to job shadow another colleague, gaining valuable experience and knowledge before entering any formal application processes. The event led to three internal career moves and will be held annually going forward.

Through these initiatives, the Strive Network continues to play a vital role in fostering the growth and development of young colleagues at Nisa and the Co-op, ensuring they have the support and opportunities needed to advance their careers.

3.2. Purpose Goal 8 – Good Health and Wellbeing

Improving mental and physical health at all ages is vital to boosting overall wellbeing to allow people to fulfil their potential.

Health and wellbeing inequalities lie at the heart of improving social mobility across the UK. Good health and wellbeing are often a precursor to a person being in a position to make the most of their talents and in work, feel they can consider taking the next step in their career.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent steep rises in the cost-of-living shone a stark light on the health inequalities across Britain and how they impact on wider life. The statistics on diverging life expectancy give a clear sense of how communities even living side by side can have very different outcomes, and the impact purpose-led businesses like Nisa can have when focusing on delivering for their colleagues and the regions they serve.

3.2.1. Championing Wellbeing Across the Community

Nisa’s commitment to fostering good health and wellbeing across the communities it serves is evident through its multifaceted initiatives aimed at addressing key challenges and promoting wellbeing.

Nisa’s charity, Making a Difference Locally, focuses on strategic, impactful activity to benefit communities, designed by retailer focus groups. Through this work, Nisa actively addresses pressing issues including food poverty, social isolation, and access to essential resources.

In 2023, MADL allocated over £200,000 to food poverty initiatives, including breakfast clubs and warm spaces, helping over 25,000 individuals and offering crucial support to individuals facing the difficult choice between heating and eating.

One Nisa retail partner, the Proudfoot Supermarket Group, supports many local community organisations like Westway Open Arms and The Rainbow Centre, both of whom work in deprived communities across North Yorkshire during the height of the cost-of-living crisis and is contributing to food security at a critical time.

MADL also ensured almost £350,000 was dedicated to funding wellbeing sport and social activities in 2023, benefiting more than 64,000 individuals across the UK. This investment in grassroots clubs, sporting equipment, and clothing promotes physical activity and social inclusion.

To mark World Mental Health Day in 2023, MADL allocated £10,000 to support ‘Chairs for Chats’ funding ‘buddy benches’ across the UK for communities promoting conversation and helping to combat loneliness and fostering personal connections.

Similarly, another Nisa retail partner, TYS Retail, is hugely passionate about championing wellbeing across the communities they serve in Peterborough. They contribute to mental health awareness and support through fundraising efforts across their multiple stores for organisations like Mind charity, raising awareness and funds to support mental health services and initiatives.

Above are just a few examples of Nisa’s comprehensive approach and focus, through MADL, to promoting good health and wellbeing, addressing immediate needs while also tackling underlying factors contributing to community health outcomes. By Nisa’s retailers partnering with local organisations, raising awareness, and providing essential resources, Nisa empowers individuals and communities to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

3.1.3. Case Study – Strive Network

3.2.2. Delivering for Employees Internally

Nisa places a strong emphasis on the health and wellbeing of its colleagues, delivering an extensive range of support services and initiatives designed to promote mental and physical health within the organisation.

All colleagues benefit from the Co-op’s Wellbeing and Benefits Hub, a fantastic resource providing help and support with emotional, physical or financial wellbeing, offering mental health toolkits and signposting to a wide range of support.

Nisa also benefits from Wellbeing Champions, a group of colleague volunteers from the majority of Nisa’s varied departments, most of whom are trained Mental Health First Aiders, and all have received specific training to support colleagues effectively. Additionally, a wellbeing card is distributed across Nisa offices, offering both inhouse and external support services to ensure all employees can find the help they need.

Nisa’s offices in Scunthorpe and Manchester also feature dedicated wellbeing spaces. These comfortable areas are designed for colleagues to have private conversations about personal issues. There is also a quiet sensory area for neurodiverse colleagues, providing a suitable environment for all employees to work comfortably.

Colleagues at Nisa have access to a range of health services, including eye care and an online GP service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nisa colleagues introduced weekly virtual ‘drop in’ open meetings to replace physical socialisation, ensuring continued connection and support among colleagues. On top of this, a Wellbeing Champion organises a weekly wellbeing lunchtime walk around the lake near the office, providing an opportunity for human connection in an outdoor setting.

Nisa also supports flexible working arrangements for all colleagues, recognising the importance of accommodating individual circumstances. Offering the Co-op’s Hybrid Working Policy, there is no obligation for employees to come into the office every day, reflecting Nisa’s commitment to a flexible and understanding work environment.

More widely, the organisation collaborates with a number of specialist partners to extend its support offerings to a diverse range of groups.

Nisa prioritises that its colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered to maintain their health and wellbeing, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.

3.3. Purpose Goal 9 – Extending Enterprise

Bringing opportunities to communities and having more opportunities on the doorstep is often discussed in terms of inward investment and getting businesses to be able to invest in places that have been social mobility coldspots. But enabling people and communities to create their own jobs is perhaps the most powerful way of really driving opportunity on the doorstep.

Nisa, with its retailer framework, is one of the best-placed purpose-led organisations in the UK to lead the way on Purpose Goal 9. It is extending enterprise, by supporting local businesses to grow and thrive, as well as boosting local economies at a time of grave need.

3.3.1. Nisa’s

Nisa’s unique model is designed to empower individual shops to benefit from the strength of the Nisa brand while allowing them to maintain their own identity. Retailers can choose to operate under symbol fascias such as Nisa Local or Nisa Extra or retain their independent branding. This flexibility ensures that partners receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market.

The support structure provided by Nisa is extensive and multifaceted. It includes a dedicated team of retail development managers, regional retail managers and store development managers. These professionals assist partners in developing their stores and propositions, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the needs of their customers and community.

partners

access to over 2,400 Co-op own-brand products across all categories, including convenience essentials, premium ranges like Co-op Irresistible, and innovative offerings like the GRO vegan range.

Nisa also provides a full Electronic Point of Pay Solution (EPOS), marketing solutions, and a comprehensive support package that includes consumer leaflets, in-store point of sale materials, and a personalised Nisa FM radio network.

Overall, Nisa’s model is a testament to its commitment to extending enterprise by providing comprehensive support, competitive pricing, access to quality products, and tailored solutions that empower partners to succeed in the retail landscape.

Unique Independent Retail Model

Nisa’s retail

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3.3.2. Boosting Regional Economic Growth

Nisa’s support mechanisms play a crucial role in boosting regional economic growth - at a critical time for high streets and small businesses across Britain - by supporting retailers to grow and thrive.

Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of local retailers to their communities became more pronounced. This led to increased footfall and reinforced the value of local shops. Nisa’s interaction with retailers allows them to better understand their customers and regions, offering insights into national trends and enabling more informed business decisions.

Nisa supports its retailers by enhancing their digital skills and helping them access a wider consumer base through platforms like UberEats and Deliveroo. The organisation is active in planogramming different ranges for retailers across the country, which offers new opportunities for seasonal ranges and boosts sales.

Nisa also provides an analytical framework that increases business security by offering data-driven insights and strategies.

More widely, the organisation prioritises offering extensive support and advice on cost-saving measures and partnerships. This includes preferable rates on energy supplies and Co-op Business Insurance, with the Co-op pledging to beat any quote.

Through these initiatives, Nisa not only supports the growth of individual retailers but also contributes to the economic development of regions right across the UK. By equipping retailers with the tools, insights, and support needed to succeed, Nisa helps to foster economic growth and resilience in local communities.

3.3.3. Case Study – Dallam Stores, Warrington

Dallam Stores, an independently owned local grocery shop, has been serving the people of Dallam and North Warrington for over 15 years. Through its work with both Nisa’s independent charity and proactive community engagement, Dallam Stores has successfully grown into a pillar of its local area.

A long-standing participator in MADL since its inception, Mike Sohal - the owner of Dallam Stores – has raised and strategically used funds to deliver for the people who need it most across his community.

One example is the store feeding an average of 50 individuals experiencing homelessness with food every week, annually.

Dallam Stores has also established a long-standing partnership with the local rugby club for around ten years. Using MADL

funds, it sponsors the club, provides food for children who do not all have access to healthy, nutritious food, and supports specific initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion on LGBTQ+ issues as well as sponsoring the women’s team. There has also been a reported decline in anti-social behaviour and theft in the shop and the community more widely as a result of the work MADL has supported Mike Sohal and Dallam Stores to undertake.

Critically MADL, and wider interactions with Nisa, have supported the store in doubling its turnover since the early years of opening.

Dallam Stores has also retained the pandemic spike in sales with more people using their local retailers and continues to understand and deliver for the needs of its specific customers day-to-day.

Dallam Stores has donated over £45,000 through MADL since getting involved with the charity, as well as undertaking a significant number of voluntary works establishing connections with the local community, combating social isolation, and offering food and other key supplies to people across Warrington.

Mike Sohal described MADL as “a unique and powerful asset” that allows local retailers to “look after and deliver for the people who pay its bills”.

Dallam Stores, an independently owned local grocery shop, has been serving the people of Dallam and North Warrington for over 15 years.

3.3.4. Wholesale Social Impact

Nisa also runs a wholesale division, catering to both secondary wholesalers and national corporate accounts.

The wholesale side is integral to Nisa’s business model, focusing on supplying a wide array of products to a diverse client base. This division manages relationships with significant corporate accounts, partnerships characterised by contracted agreements and head office interactions, distinguishing them from traditional retail operations that deal directly with local stores.

The wholesale team is responsible for ensuring corporate clients receive consistent, reliable service and access to Nisa’s extensive product range. This includes coordinating logistics, managing supply chains, and tailoring services to meet the specific needs of each corporate partner.

Through MADL’s close work in supporting corporate accounts, these businesses can also participate in community-focused initiatives - aligning their business operations with broader social values. For example, Nisa collaborated with a corporate client in London to facilitate the purchase of an electric vehicle dedicated to food bank distribution.

This not only provided essential support to the local community but also helped the corporate business demonstrate a tangible commitment to social impact.

Providing a structured means for corporate clients to engage in charitable activities, Nisa helps them meet the growing need for community social impact across Britain. This approach has proven effective in securing new business.

Nisa’s wholesale business is a critical component of its overall operations, serving a diverse range of corporate clients with tailored services and a comprehensive product offering.

The integration of the MADL programme into its wholesale and corporate accounts underscores Nisa’s commitment to social responsibility and its work in breaking down the barriers to opportunity across the communities it serves.

Through ongoing development and collaboration with corporate partners, Nisa continues to expand the reach and effectiveness of MADL, ensuring that both the business and the communities across Britain can thrive together.

3.4. Purpose Goal 12 – Building Homes and Sustainable Communities

Ensuring people can live in safe and sustainable communities is critical to breaking down the barriers to opportunity.

Communities that are safe, with a good quality of life and homes people can afford are communities that are sustainable in the long run. For communities that aren’t, they risk losing their talent and driving away the very opportunities from business investment that could transform their fortunes. It’s why place-based approaches matter so much, both from the government but also from businesses like Nisa.

3.4.1. MADL’s Unique Approach

Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity is central to the organisation’s wider commitment to community support and social responsibility.

MADL operates as a separate entity from Nisa, which is critical to its mission and effectiveness. This separation ensures that MADL maintains an independent, retailer-led approach, allowing it to directly address local needs through targeted donations and initiatives.

MADL empowers Nisa retailers by leveraging their knowledge of their own communities. Retailers can choose where the funds go, focusing on pillars including health and wellbeing, shelter and security, education and employment, and access to food. This model ensures that the donations are impactful and relevant to the specific needs of each community.

A key component of MADL’s funding comes from a 0.6% donation on every Co-op own label product sold. In 2023, Nisa contributed £1.3 million to MADL, following £1.5 million in 2022. This substantial and consistent funding highlights Nisa’s ongoing support and the critical role of MADL in making a meaningful difference.

To mark its 15th birthday in 2023, MADL launched Club 15 which unites 15 Nisa retailers, suppliers, and colleagues in a collective effort to make a meaningful impact locally. Through this initiative, the retailers receive comprehensive support packages, including fundraising training, marketing assistance, trials of new initiatives fostering stronger ties between Nisa and its communities. Demonstrating Nisa’s ongoing commitment to supporting its retailers with their community engagement and social impact, the 15 retailers change on an annual basis, ensuring fresh ideas, input and experience into the initiative.

3.4.2. Delivering for Communities Across the UK

MADL’s impact on communities across the UK is profound, with numerous initiatives demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Through MADL, Nisa and its retailers support local causes, foster community cohesion, and address pressing societal challenges.

For example, Nisa Dallam Stores and Nisa Locking Stumps collaborated to donate £500 each to the Guru Nanak Temple, providing 1,500 hot meals for homeless individuals in Warrington during the winter months. This initiative helps to alleviate food insecurity and provides essential support to vulnerable community members.

Similarly, the Proudfoot Group’s donation of £500 to the York and Scarborough Hospital Charity for Christmas blankets exemplifies support for healthcare institutions and enhances patient well-being. This gesture highlights the impact of both Nisa, its retailers, and MADL’s compassionate approach to community support.

TYS Retail’s milestone of surpassing £50,000 in donations through MADL underscores sustained efforts to positively impact communities in Peterborough, Stamford, and St Neots. Contributions have supported local churches, community football teams, and homeless charities, showcasing the spirit of corporate social responsibility.

MADL’s impact extends to significant donation milestones achieved by retailers like CK Foodstores in Essex and East London, supporting children’s centres, homeless charities, and primary schools. These contributions reflect the ethos of giving back and making tangible differences in communities.

Nisa’s clothing banks initiative, raising almost £70,000 for local causes since its launch, also highlights a commitment to sustainability. By repurposing unwanted clothing and textiles, Nisa reduces waste and generates funds for community initiatives.

Through MADL, Nisa delivers substantial social value to communities across the UK, empowering retailers to address local needs and fostering thriving, resilient communities.

3.4.3. Case Study – Proudfoot Supermarkets, Scarborough

Established in 1948 by Wilf Proudfoot in Seamer, a village just outside Scarborough, Proudfoot Supermarkets have maintained a strong connection with North and North East Yorkshire, with the original shop still serving customers in Seamer.

The family-run business operates five stores, including one non-food store, situated around the Scarborough area in the Newby, Eastfield, and Seamer districts. Wilf Proudfoot started the company with financing from Peggy Proudfoot and his £280 gratuity from the Second World War. Inspired by the self-service method of selling food he observed in America’s Piggly Wiggly stores, Wilf introduced this innovative approach in his own stores upon returning to the United Kingdom.

Proudfoot joined Nisa in 1980 and has remained an independent, family-run enterprise committed to its communities. A hallmark of Proudfoot’s philosophy is its commitment to never closing down a store, ensuring consistent service and support to its local areas.

Since the founding of the MADL charity in 2008, Proudfoot has seized the opportunity to deepen its community connections and extend its support.

Proudfoot has advertised MADL, which Director Valerie Aston describes as feeling like “our local charity,” offering donations ranging from £100 to £1,000. This initiative has fostered significant community engagement around Scarborough, leading to the establishment of numerous key, long-lasting relationships with community groups and organisations.

Proudfoot’s commitment to local communities is illustrated by its recent voluntary donation of £1,000 to the RNLI, an organisation crucial for the safety of both residents and tourists in the Scarborough area. Proudfoot utilises MADL to empower local organisations, allowing them to apply for funding and directly improve their communities.

Yorkshire, have received a charitable donation of £1,000 from Proudfoot supermarkets, to help fund and support young people’s access to one of their adventures out to sea. “The donation enabled as many as 60 young people from the Scarborough area to take part in a Wetwheels adventure.”

Proudfoot has also streamlined its charitable efforts by replacing multiple charity tins with a single tin dedicated to MADL. This approach has not only increased the number of donations to MADL but also boosted the amount the supermarkets donate to specific charities that were previously represented by individual tins.

Since 2008, Proudfoot Supermarkets has raised and donated over £200,000 to good causes in its local area, making it one of the highest single donors in the UK through MADL.

Proudfoot Supermarkets stand as a leading example of how Nisa empowers purpose-led retailers to support their communities. Through its commitment to local engagement, innovative charitable initiatives, and continuous support for community organisations, Proudfoot demonstrates the profound impact that independent retailers can have on their local areas. This ongoing dedication not only strengthens the fabric of the communities they serve but also showcases the powerful role of purpose-driven businesses in driving positive social impact.

Valerie Aston, Director at Proudfoot Supermarkets: “At Proudfoot our eyes have been opened to the many groups and organisations within our local area who are doing important and invaluable work to help so many, and we are delighted to be able to support them, working together with our Making A Difference Locally Charity”.

Wetwheels

3.5. Purpose Goal 14 – Achieve Equality through Diversity and Inclusion

Creating a level playing field on opportunity for all is a critical challenge to fully unleash Britain’s potential for the first time.

The research is clear that more diverse businesses make better decisions because they have a wider perspective and avoid groupthink. Diversity extends beyond gender and ethnicity to sexuality, disability and other challenges that can lead to disadvantage. When we look across the leadership roles in business, the judiciary, government and

politics, there is a continued skew towards those from the most privileged backgrounds. Britain will not succeed unless and until its leadership roles, wherever they are found in our society, better reflect the wider society at large.

Purpose-led organisations like Nisa understand and acknowledge this challenge and are taking action both internally and externally to ensure opportunities are available to all, no matter their background.

3.5.1. Underpinning Diversity and Inclusion

Nisa is dedicated to achieving equality through diversity and inclusion which starts with its SLT being 60% women, 40% men and 20% being ethnically diverse. This commitment is also evident in its comprehensive equity, diversity and inclusion policies, numerous initiatives aimed at supporting marginalised groups internally, including the leadership development programme for young people of colour, plus its extremely active employee resource groups, the Co-op colleague networks.

This commitment is reflected in its proactive recruitment and retention strategies for disabled colleagues. Nisa ensures that disabled employees receive the necessary assistance during training and have career plans tailored to their abilities. This approach extends to retaining employees who become disabled or face wider health challenges, ensuring they continue to contribute effectively to roles suited to their capabilities.

Nisa and the Co-op address gender disparities within the business. They acknowledge the gender pay gap and are actively working towards improvement. While there has been progresswith women’s mean and median hourly rates improving over the years - there is still a need to increase the proportion of women receiving bonuses to achieve greater equity. Nisa’s transparency in these efforts highlights its commitment to gender equality.

3.5.2.

Empowering Employees

Nisa empowers its employees to drive the agenda of diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and support mechanisms.

The organisation’s proactive Diversity and Inclusion Committee has significantly grown over the past year, providing numerous support mechanisms and raising awareness on key issues. The Committee’s efforts have led to 80% of colleagues completing a comprehensive survey that tracks socioeconomic background, gender, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the business’s diverse landscape.

One of the standout initiatives is the employee-led Lunch & Learns. These sessions began during Eid when some Muslim employees were fasting, and their nonMuslim colleagues expressed an interest in learning more about the religion and the significance of Eid.

The first session was attended by over 100 people and was so successful that it was repeated, this time in partnership with another colleague to discuss the similarities between Christianity, Judaism and Islam in a Lunch & Learn educating colleagues on the Abrahamic Faiths. These sessions not only educate colleagues but also broaden perspectives and foster a more inclusive work environment.

Nisa empowers its employees to drive the agenda of diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and support mechanisms.

The Lunch & Learns have expanded to cover a wide range of topics, including mental health, disability, menopause, and other important issues. These sessions provide a platform for employees to share their experiences and knowledge, promoting a culture of continuous learning and understanding within Nisa.

3.5.3. Championing Nisa Values Across the Community

Nisa champions its values externally by actively supporting and engaging with the communities it serves. Through its Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity, Nisa empowers retailers to make a significant strategic impact on their local communities by supporting under-represented groups.

One example of this is the recently launched the Pride Pot, allocating £50,000 to support LGBTQ+ community groups and charities. The pot has been used to support community events like Pride celebrations or funding more diverse

reading materials in schools, which celebrate diversity and foster acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. The involvement of the Respect LGBTQ+ Colleague Network also highlights the collaborative efforts within the organisation to raise awareness and cultivate a culture of inclusion.

Through collaborative partnerships, innovative initiatives, and unwavering commitment, Nisa continues to champion its values across the community, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and fostering thriving, resilient communities throughout the UK by focusing strategically on those who are most in need.

4. Analysis and Summary

This Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity Impact Report outlines the crucial role responsible businesses like Nisa play in shaping a fairer, more inclusive society. This report not only showcases the specific areas where Nisa has driven social impact but also highlights the importance of partnership, collaboration, and innovation in addressing social inequalities. By aligning with The Purpose Coalition and the Purpose Goals, Nisa has further established itself as a key player in the landscape of responsible business, particularly in community development and social mobility.

The previous sections of the report lay out Nisa’s strategic engagement with five key Purpose Goals, demonstrating how a purpose-led business can significantly contribute to breaking down barriers to opportunity.

The report makes clear that Nisa’s efforts are part of a wider movement towards responsible business practices. In today’s socio-economic climate, businesses are increasingly expected to go beyond profit and take an active role in tackling inequality, improving social mobility, and addressing the barriers that prevent individuals and communities from realising their full potential. The Purpose Goals provide a structured framework that is both ambitious and practical in its focus on creating a more equal society.

Nisa’s partnerships with local communities and the broader reach of its charitable arm, MADL, are emblematic of the shift in the role of businesses from passive actors to active participants in social change.

Nisa’s approach to working in partnership with its retailers, empowering them to lead communityfocused initiatives through MADL, demonstrates the power of decentralised, localised action. This retailer-led approach ensures that social contributions are not top-down but are responsive to the unique needs of each community, allowing for more meaningful and targeted impact. The report positions Nisa as not only a retail success story but as a model for how businesses can evolve to meet the changing demands of both consumers and the wider community.

Nisa’s approach to working in partnership with its retailers, empowering them to lead community-focused initiatives through MADL, demonstrates the power of decentralised, localised action.

5. Regional Social Impact Data Assessment

Nisa has partnering with the Purpose Coalition to track and assess its current social impact delivery for its colleagues, its retailers, and the communities it serves. To go even further on the latter, the Purpose Coalition has identified a number of communities across Nisa’s key focus areas where barriers to opportunity are the highest.

These areas include:

1. Scunthorpe, Nisa’s Headquarters

2. Manchester, Co-op’s Headquarters

3. Peterborough, the area with the highest number of Nisa retailers in the UK

Using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), the Purpose Coalition has identified small communities where outreach by retailers –through MADL - or Nisa directly in terms of employment or training opportunities could be targeted for maximum social impact.

The IMD uses the census to break down communities into areas, assessing them against a number of seven metrics of deprivation. These small areas are called Lower layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) and comprise between 400 and 1,200 households and have a resident population between 1,000 and 3,000 persons. This focus allows for closer assessment and better use of targeted resources.

In the tables below, a lower number is worse. Being in Decile 1 means the LSOA is amongst the 10% most deprived areas. Having a Rank of 1 means the LSOA is the most deprived LSOA in the country. Conversely, being in Decile 10 means the LSOA is amongst the 10% least deprived areas and having a Rank of 32,844 would mean it is the least deprived LSOA in the country.

5.1. Scunthorpe, Westcliff

Council Name: LA District Code: North Lincolnshire E06000013

LSOA Name: LSOA Code: North Lincolnshire 016A E01013278

Overall, which combines information from the seven ‘domains’ below to produce an overall relative measure of deprivation

Income, which measures the proportion of the population experiencing deprivation relating to low income

Employment, which measures the proportion of the working age population in an area involuntarily excluded from the labour market

Education, Skills & Training, which measures the lack of attainment and skills in the local population

Health Deprivation & Disability, which measures the risk of premature death and the impairment of quality of life through poor physical or mental health

Living Environment, which measures the quality of both the ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ local environment Crime, which measures the risk of personal and material victimisation at local level

Barriers to Housing & Services, which measures the physical and financial accessibility of housing and local services

North Lincolnshire 016A Decile

5.2. Hapurhey/Moston Vale, Manchester

Council Name: LA District Code: Manchester E08000003

LSOA Name: LSOA Code:

5.3. Paston, Peterborough

Council Name: LA District Code: Peterborough E06000031

LSOA Name: LSOA Code: Peterborough 007E E01015658