Credit unions are our movement's best kept secret – on International Credit Union Day, the two million credit union members in Britain should celebrate their success.

Although our Building Community Power conference is over, our work mustn’t stop there. Our exciting announcements will ensure that spirit of co-operation and the best ideas of our movement continue.

High streets form the backdrop to our social life, the stage for our community action and the centrepiece of our civic pride.

With the Budget coming up, we need a bold announcement from the Chancellor to give communities and bricks and mortar businesses a boost.

We need to create spaces for black women to sit on the big tables in institutions, government and political parties.

It’s incredible to think that thousands, if not, millions of tonnes of fresh food is left to rot when many families are struggling to afford to put food on the table.

I celebrate my co-operative values putting communities at the heart of what I do.