Stellar staff visit House of Commons

Three retail colleagues have been recognised as shining examples of apprentices during an event at the House of Commons.

The Association of Convenience Stores represents convenience shops and independent retailers, and its Heart of the Community conference on Tuesday 16th October saw retail figures and politicians gather to talk about the industry.

It was followed by a reception at the House of Commons to celebrate achievements in retail. Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues Chris Hewson-Siddall, Steph May and Dan Muirhead were three of the 10 people recognised at the event for their apprenticeship success.

Retail Apprentice Chris Hewson-Siddall joined the Society’s Monks Road Food Store in Lincoln in 2016 after a three-week Prince's Trust Get into Retail placement. He’s now finishing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Customer Service at Riseholme Road Food Store in Lincoln.

“It was very overwhelming to be picked, nevermind going along,” he said.

“The apprenticeship has definitely opened my eyes as I’ve learned a lot from it and from both the store managers. It’s helped me improve and build my confidence up, and I’ve learned about managing staff and how to get the best out of them, and I hope that will all continue.”

Gibbet Nook Food Store and Filling Station Store Manager Dan Muirhead and Team Leader Steph May are working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship in Retail Team Leading as part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s LEAP programme, which creates a pipeline of people who could one day manage the Society’s food stores.

Dan recently became store manager at the outlet, which has a fresh look after a £1 million programme of work.

“To be invited to somewhere like the House of Commons is really nice. It’s great to get recognition for what we’ve achieved and what we are achieving as a group together through LEAP,” he said.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Resourcing and Policy Manager Ellie Thorpe said: “We’re proud to welcome apprentices into our food stores, pharmacies and travel branches. They bring new ideas and energy to our business areas, and many stay for years afterwards and forge long careers with us.

“To see Chris, Steph and Dan recognised in this way shows just how important apprentices are and how they help grow the local economy.”

For more information, videos and tips on how to apply for an apprenticeship at
Lincolnshire Co-op, visit this page.