Team-work key to success

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 13

Team-work key to success

Four Square is a co-operative owned and operated by independent grocers in which team work is the key to its success. The progress of Four Square in Christchurch and Canterbury, as elsewhere, is based to a great degree on the keen co-operation of its members.

Each member plays his part in promoting the progress of the organisation by—- • Placing the maximum amount of business

through his own company (Foodstuffs, Christchurch, Ltd,). • Maintaining an active interest in the affairs of

the company and whenever possible attending shareholders’ meetings. • Maintaining his store and paintwork at a high standard of operation. • Co-operating with fellow members in every way, including participation in sales promotion efforts.

• Co-operation in all ways to maintain the

position of the organisation and to promote its progress. The organisation is owned and controlled entirely by its retailer members. Elections for the directorate are held at each annual meeting, and every member is

eligible for election to the directorate. Irrespective of share-

holding, each member has one vote and an equal voice in the company’s affairs. Thus at

all times the company’s affairs and assets are under the control of members and are not subject to outside influence. Among the services offered by the co-opera-tive to all its members are: A complete accounting service operated by

specialists in the field of retail shop accounting. Expert advice, in addition to preparing annual accounts and taxation returns, in analysis of accounts and balance sheets. Valuation of shares, goodwill, capital for expansion, and guidance on

investment of surplus capital. The co-operative provides substantial financial

assistance to members for the purchasing of businesses and for store modernisation and buying of plant The business advisory service department gives

expert opinions on the sales potential of a specific area or business; on the value of property and plant; on rentals, leases and agreements—in fact, a complete business service.