NEWS
Co-op pledges to stand firm on climate, opportunity and community as others scale back
Co-op has announced a new strategy to deliver social value across every part of its business, reaffirming its commitment to issues that matter most to its 6.5 million members, including climate change, sustainability, social mobility and diversity and inclusion.
These findings have shaped Co-op’ s strategy around three pillars – access to opportunity, access to a sustainable future and access to peace of mind and wellbeing – putting member priorities at the heart of how the business operates and grows.
The strategy comes amid growing political and public debate over how to rebuild social cohesion in the UK’ s most deprived communities. While some businesses scale back on social commitments, Co-op said it is pushing forward, guided by extensive member feedback.
In a survey of more than 37,000 members, over three-quarters( 78 %) said many people lack equal access to resources they need to thrive. More than four-fifths( 83 %) believe the gap between rich and poor is widening, and 79 % said society is more divided than a decade ago. Only 19 % felt optimistic about the UK’ s future.
Top member concerns include the cost of living, healthcare, the environment and climate, global conflict, cuts to local services, social care, prospects for young people, political instability, economic instability and rising rents.
Global survey reveals growing consumer trust in personal AI assistants
Anew global survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Zendesk has revealed that consumer trust in personal AI assistants is gaining significant momentum, with more than half( 52 %) of respondents feeling comfortable relying on them for everyday tasks.
The results mark a pivotal moment for AI: it is no longer just transforming businesses – it is entering the daily lives of consumers. From productivity to professional communication, people are beginning to embrace AI-powered support, though the findings also show that trust has its limits.
According to the study, the task consumers are most comfortable entrusting to AI assistants is managing to-do lists and calendars, with 64 % indicating a willingness to let AI handle these interactions. However, many would still want the ability to review or approve messages before they are sent. At the same time, 84 % believe human interaction should always remain an option, highlighting the need for CX leaders to prioritise technology that fosters human connections.
Professional communication tasks, such as scheduling meetings or managing emails, come next, with 52 % feeling at ease. Comfort levels drop when AI ventures into highstakes territory, with only 39 % of respondents willing to trust AI assistants with financial planning decisions.
In the UK, consumers mirror global preferences but with greater caution. While 55 % are comfortable with AI managing their to-do lists and calendar, only 19 % are willing to trust AI assistants with financial planning.
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