OurCoop connects with LoweConex as UK retailer looks to unify refrigeration and HVAC telemetry
LoweConex reports that it has expanded its work across the newly formed co-operative retail society, OurCoop, following the coming together of Central Co-op, Chelmsford Star Co-operative and Midcounties Co-operative in January.
It will now be supporting the society with centralised refrigeration and HVAC telemetry through Conex OS, its connected estate platform. Teams will be able to get ahead of refrigeration faults, improve alarm intelligence, increase work order accuracy and strengthen insight across critical store infrastructure.
This builds on a deployment delivered across the former Midcounties Co-operative estate two years ago, now bringing both co-operative retail estates into scope for centralised telemetry, Conex OS deployment and ongoing professional services for facilities management optimisation.
Conex OS connects and normalises data from fragmented operational systems, creating one place to observe, manage and act on estate wide performance. Alongside the platform, LoweConex will identify opportunities for continuous improvement, maximise energy optimisation and improve long-term asset performance.
Steve Smith, Senior Facilities Manager at OurCoop, says: “Ensuring our stores operate efficiently and reliably is critical for our colleagues, members and customers. By working with LoweConex, we are creating a more centralised view of our refrigeration and HVAC assets, helping our teams make better informed decisions around maintenance, energy consumption and estate performance."
“This partnership gives us the visibility and support needed to continue improving the health of our estate, while helping us manage critical assets in a more connected and proactive way.”
Jessica Caldwell, Head of Customer Success at LoweConex, says: “We’re delighted to be working with OurCoop and look forward to growing our partnership as it continues to evolve. Building on our initial work with Midcounties Co-operative, we’re proud to be deepening our support across the Co-operative retail sector.”
“For convenience and grocery retailers, connected asset data can make a measurable difference. By centralising refrigeration and HVAC telemetry through Conex OS, OurCoop can improve alarm intelligence, strengthen maintenance workflows and unlock clearer insight into energy performance and estate health. This gives FM and energy teams the confidence to act earlier, optimise performance and make better long-term decisions across their estate.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
