The Plymouth & South West Co-operative Society was originally founded in 1860 by ten tradesmen.

From these humble beginnings the Society has grown from 18 members, as recorded on the 3rd January 1860, to the current membership of over 130,000.

The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.

These being:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Member economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education
• Training and information
• Co-operation among co-operatives
• Concern for the community