The Midcounties Co-operative will make over £6m in share-of-profit payments to its members and colleagues following a record rise in sales.
The group reports today a 24% increase in gross sales to £1.167 billion in the year ended 25 January 2014, with operating profit before significant items up 21% at £22m.
Its travel arm, Co-operative Travel, grew sales by 61% to £276m following new branch acquisitions and the recruitment of more home-based personal travel advisors.
The group also has food, energy, funeral, pharmacy, and childcare businesses.
"These excellent trading results demonstrate that the Co-operative business model really works," said chief executive Ben Reid.
"As part of our co-operative approach we will be returning a share of our profits to the members and colleagues who have directly contributed to the success of the Society."
