by John Banks, Corporate Policy and Quality Officer, Capricorn Society

One of Australia's fastest growing privately owned enterprises, Capricorn Society, is the largest, independent automotive parts buying co-operative in Australia and New Zealand, and has recently expanded to South Africa. It provides parts and services to mechanical workshops, service stations and smash repairers throughout the three countries.

The Capricorn Society was formed in 1975 by a group of service station owners who wanted to combine their buying power to obtain better prices and service. Chief Executive Officer, Trent Bartlett says, "the idea behind a co-operative like Capricorn is simple, it's all based on people working together."

Capricorn has nearly 8000 members in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa with an annual turnover approaching A$400 million. Over 1200 suppliers in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa supply the membership. To be eligible for membership, a business must be a registered automotive repairer, panel beater, auto electrician, service station or general workshop.

Commitment and loyalty are the core strengths of the cooperative with many members recently receiving 15 and 20-year recognition plaques. Annual conventions, golf days, trade shows and social events, complement the relationship between members and the co-op and provide great networking opportunities.

Trent Bartlett, comments enthusiastically about his experience of working within the co-operative environment. "Before coming to Capricorn, I hadn't worked with the co-operative business model, but I would have to say, I am now one of its strongest advocates! The members, the suppliers and the staff share a unique bond that is a powerful commercial force and certainly great fun to work with".