| Biography | From its beginnings in 1863, the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) became one of the largest co-operative organisations in the UK, changing its name in to The Co-operative Group in 2001. The CWS began in small premises in Manchester and grew to occupy a large part of the city centre, which housed its offices, warehouses and salerooms. It produced the famous CWS Brand goods for co-operative societies throughout the UK. These included food, furniture, clothing and household products. The society established trade links with countries including India, Sri Lanka and South America. The CWS also looked after its employees by introducing the 8-hour day in its factories and publicising its stance against sweated industries, as well as introducing convalescent homes for sick employees. The Co-operative Group today is the largest co-operative society in the UK. |