Cricket ground rebrands following Co-ops merger

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has announced a rebrand of its ground following the merger of three Co-ops.

The Central Co-op County Ground has become The OurCoop County Ground reflecting the creation of the UK’s largest independent co-operative society.

The rebrand follows the coming together of Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-operative to form OurCoop, a purpose-led family of businesses with more than a million members and 13,000 staff.

The partnership with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, first launched in May 2025 during the United Nations’ International Year of Co-operatives, will continue under the new OurCoop name.

For OurCoop, Derbyshire is much more than the home of a sporting partnership.

The county has been at the heart of the co-operative’s story for generations.

From the stewardship of Derby Central Hall and the restoration of the much-loved Co-op Cow landmark to its network of food stores and funeral homes across the county, OurCoop’s history is deeply woven into the social fabric of Derbyshire and its communities.

Jimmy Drew, head of commercial partnerships at Derbyshire, said: “We’re now a year into our partnership with OurCoop and we’re very excited to take this step into a new era for the brand, which we know will provide a new range of valuable opportunities for their members, colleagues and customers, as well as our own.

“We thank OurCoop for their close communication throughout the merger, which we know has been in incredibly busy time, and we feel privileged to be among the first venues to bear the new branding.

“Through our close relationship with OurCoop, we will have a much wider reach and look forward to welcoming supporters, new and existing, to The OurCoop County Ground soon.”

Over the past year, Derbyshire’s partnership with OurCoop has already delivered significant benefits for members, colleagues and communities.

Elaine Dean, president of OurCoop and Derby resident, said: “This partnership has always been about much more than our name on a sign.

“It is about two co-operative organisations coming together to create opportunities for our members, colleagues and communities.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen people enjoy the benefits of this partnership, from discounted tickets and community events to memorable experiences at the ground.

“As we become OurCoop, it’s fitting that one of the first major public landmarks to carry our new name is here in Derbyshire – a county that has played such an important role in our heritage.

“The OurCoop County Ground represents everything we believe in: bringing people together, investing in communities and creating lasting value through co-operation.”