An alternative to short-term thinking
Business based on co-operatives differs from other forms of business in many ways. The basis for the business is formed by the important co-operative principles: open membership, democracy and the distribution of surplus, i.e. the members' entitlement to a share of the business's profits.
The cooperative companies are simultaneously businesses and communities formed by their members. In the S Group, cooperative activities refer mostly to co-op member-oriented business operations which are close to ordinary people. Among other things, the regional and Finnish emphasis of the activities means that the regional cooperatives are in charge of business operations. S Group cannot be sold to foreign ownership either, although it is at the same time international in many ways.
Short-term, quarterly-based aims are governing the activities of many businesses today. At the S Group, aims are set higher than this. A long-term development of the business, the respect for staff and the emphasis on social responsibility all testify about this. The S Group is a safe business for its customers and staff; it is also a good corporate entity.