In September 2004 the Co-operative Group became the Grant Recipient Body for the Communities First programme in Llanion, Pembroke Dock. This means the Cooperative Group administers the finance on behalf of the Llanion Communities First Partnership.

The group was chosen for its socially conscious orientation and 150 year commitment to social and economic development and regeneration. Co-operative values and principles are closely aligned with the principles of the Welsh Assembly Government Communities First Programme:

"I know that society may be formed so as to exist without crime, without poverty, with health greatly improved, with little, if any misery, and with intelligence and happiness increased a hundredfold; and no obstacle whatsoever intervenes at this moment except ignorance to prevent such a state of society from becoming universal".Robert Owen 1816 - acknowledged founder of the world-wide co-operative movement.

Robert Owen (1771-1858)