Students from the Co-op Academies were the stars of the Co-op Annual General Meeting at Manchester Central this weekend.

The Co-op Academies Trust was invited to this year’s AGM, which is the where members have their say in how the Co-op is run. Colleagues from across the Trust met members and talked about how our academies are making a huge difference in the communities they serve.

Students from our secondary academies also came along.

Representatives from Manchester Creative and Media Academy’s Fairtrade steering group had the opportunity to present their successes to Michael Gidney – the Chief Executive of Fairtrade UK and students from The Co-operative Academy of Stoke-on-Trent’s ‘Co-operative Young Leaders’ programme met the Co-op Young Members Board.

The Co-operative Academy of Leeds’ ‘Stephen Lawrence Group’ met members and new Member Pioneer Ambassador Lemn Sissay (picured). Whilst students from The Co-operative Academy of Manchester treated visitors to a performance by their Swing Band.

It wasn’t just in the Market Place that the academies were impressing. Co-op CEO Steve Murrells included a piece about the Academies Trust in his speech. You can see that here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxfpFoKyUIs

(Go to 45mins)

Frank Norris, Director of The Co-operative Academies Trust said “AGMs aren’t supposed to be this fun. I had a fantastic day with students, colleagues and members of the Co-op. The students were brilliant and I want to thank senior colleagues from the Co-op, who took time from their day to chat with students and listen to their stories.”

“I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”