C-stores specialist Co-op announces partnership with The Hacking Games in wake of cyber attack

In the wake of experiencing a cyber attack that made mainstream media headlines and caused significant disruption across the retailer’s business, Co-op has announced a new partnership with The Hacking Games, a UK-based social impact business, that aims to tackle cybercrime by identifying young cyber talent and channelling their skills into positive, ethical careers.

Co-op says that the tie up will combine its reach into every post code area of the UK, community expertise, 38 Co-op Academy schools and their 6.5 million member base with The Hacking Games’ knowledge and expertise in cybercrime. 

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Group CEO, says: “We know first hand what it feels like to be targeted by cybercrime. The disruption it causes, the pressure it puts on colleagues, and the impact it has on the people and communities we serve.” 

“We can’t  just stand back and hope it doesn’t happen again - to us or to others. Our members expect us to find a cooperative means of tackling the cause, not just the symptom. Our partnership with The Hacking Games lets us reach talented young people early, guide their skills toward protection rather than harm, and open real paths into ethical work. When we expand opportunity we reduce risk, while having a positive impact on society.” 

Fergus Hay, Co-founder and CEO at The Hacking Games, says: “There is an incredible amount of cyber talent out there, but many young people don’t see a path into the industry, or simply don’t realise their skills can be used for good. This partnership with Co-op will help unlock that potential. It’s about giving people the opportunity to do something positive, showing that their talents are valued and creating a generation of ethical hackers to make world safer.” 

Security Minister Dan Jarvis says: “Cybercrime destroys lives. The criminals carrying out these acts put the public and the economy at risk, and that’s why we’re continuing to take the decisive action necessary to keep UK jobs and businesses safe.”

“With just over four in ten businesses reported having experienced any kind of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months, it is vital we inspire the next generation of cyber experts to detect, disrupt, and tackle cybercrime, and to support our economy to grow, as part of the government’s Plan for Change. Combatting this issue will take a whole of society approach and we applaud all efforts to ensure that young people are diverted away from illicit behaviour online.” 

Greg Francis, cyber offender prevention consultant at 4D Cyber Security, and former SOCA and NCA cybercrime investigator and prevention officer, says: “Unlike their offline counterparts, young people entering cybercrime receive little to no deterrents and are often left to self-police their online activities.”

“There’s a vital role for stakeholders - from parents and educators to search engines, gaming platforms and the cybersecurity industry - to embrace their digital responsibility and help young people make informed choices.” 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Cyber security will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.