As we bid farewell to 2025, Plunkett UK says a great big thank you to all the corporate partners who have supported our work with community businesses over the year. 🌟 👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/big-thank-you-partners/

You’re a community that's passionate to save & run your village pub – but how do you find funding to turn vision into reality? 👉 https://www.goodfinance.org.uk/latest/post/securing-pubs-future-lessons-punch-bowl-inn?utm_source=plunkettuk_bluesky&utm_medium=organic_social @goodfinanceuk.bsky.social

Inside The Ploughman: Restoring the heart of the community. ❤️ Discover the story of how locals came together to save a 200-year-old pub in a once ‘forgotten part of Scotland.’ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/restoring-the-heart-of-a-community/ @democraticfinance.bsky.social

Looking back at 2025, we are immensely proud of the impact that community businesses – and especially our members – are making across the country. Enjoy our summary blog of what has been a jam-packed and rewarding year at Plunkett UK. ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/the-12-months-of-plunkett-2025/

🔜Our next series of SIG webinars begins in January This session will provide an opportunity to share ideas, & discuss how Plunkett and community groups can respond to the climate crisis. ✅ ➡️ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/special-interest-group-environmental-action-tickets-1975302271267

Our village shop looking very festive - despite the weather! 🎄 🤶 🎄 🤶 @yorkshiredales.org.uk @plunkettuk.bsky.social

🎅Are you stuck for ideas for a Secret Santa present? Our festive raffle could be the answer for you! Enter to win a hamper containing a selection of treats kindly donated by #Combiz from across the UK! 🤩 👉Find out more: https://uk2.emma-live.com/plunkettgaladinner/prize-draw/1000060808

🎄Plunkett’s Christmas Auction!🎄 Support rural communities this Christmas – take part in our festive fundraiser for a chance to bag some amazing last-minute gifts and experiences.🌟 ➡️Find out more and make your bids today: https://uk2.emma-live.com/plunkettgaladinner/prize-draw/1000060808

Why do we produce the Better Business Report?🤔 📈Benchmark community businesses 💊Assess the health of the network  🗣️Build an evidence base for advocacy ➡️Find out more about the report and our key asks here: https://plunkett.co.uk/better-business-report-2025/ #BetterBusiness2025 #OwnItTogether

How did a small village in south Wales turn adversity into achievement? For #InternationalVolunteerDay, Rosie Plummer shares the people-powered journey behind Dryslwyn’s community-owned shop & their exciting next chapter.  https://plunkett.co.uk/investing-in-local-people-to-build-a-better-future/

Over £20,000 was raised to support Plunkett UK’s work with community-owned businesses at our Gala Dinner, held last Tuesday (25 November), and attended by 100 guests at Royal Society of Arts House in London.  ➡️ Read more: https://plunkett.co.uk/glamour-meets-giving-at-gala-auction/

Catch up on all the latest news from November! 🗞️ 🗣️This month, our advocacy work took centre stage with the launch of our annual report Community Ownership: A Better Form of Business.  https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-november-10595854

📣Calling all Plunkett members! Join our CEO, James Alcock, for a dedicated online session where we’ll explore, trading challenges, the impact of the recent Budget and opportunities for co op growth.📈 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/member-voice-a-conversation-with-the-ceo-tickets-1976182949399

A warm welcome awaits this festive season. Rural community businesses are lifelines - opening warm spaces, hosting Christmas events, and delivering essentials to those most in need. 🌟 🫵With your support, Plunkett helps ensure no one is left alone. 👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/christmas25/

“It’s been incredible to see people with all sorts of skills & experiences coming together, united by a shared goal.” 🤩 Community-owned pub and Plunkett member, Ty’n Llan is reopening this evening after a major refurbishment. 👉 Read more on our blog: https://plunkett.co.uk/transforming-tyn-llan/

Your membership benefits! 📈 📽️Watch this video to get a whistlestop tour of how to use and make the most of our Member Hub!   Click the link below to watch the video and find out more about membership 👇

Thank you to everyone who joined our Gala Dinner in the stunning surroundings of RSA House. Thanks to people's generosity, and that of those who took part in the auction & raffle draw online, we're thrilled to have raised £22,000 to support Plunkett’s work with rural community-owned businesses.

Plunkett UK has expressed deep disappointment that today’s Budget fails to deliver meaningful support for rural community businesses – despite the Government’s own commitment to grow the co-operative sector. https://plunkett.co.uk/rural-community-businesses-left-behind-by-budget/ #Budget2025

From Local Roots to Royal Recognition 🌟 Discover our latest case study celebrating Huby and Sutton Community Shop; a volunteer run hub at the heart of its village, recently honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 👑 👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/from-local-roots-to-royal-recognition/

Struggling for Christmas present ideas? Take part in Plunkett UK's Gala Auction 2025 before tomorrow evening - and help raise vital funds to support our work with community-owned businesses across the country. ➡️ https://uk2.emma-live.com/plunkettgaladinner

LIGHTS, CAMRA, ACTION! @camraofficial.bsky.social has released the first episode of its new 3-part #communitypubs documentary series, which celebrates locals who have come together to save their much-loved locals. 🤩 ➡️Watch the Antwerp Arms film: https://learn.camra.org.uk/courses/the-antwerp-arms

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our online charity auction, raising vital funds to support our work with #combiz across the UK 🌟 With incredible lots up for grabs, there’s something for everyone...start bidding today!  ➡️ https://uk2.emma-live.com/plunkettgaladinner

Connecting the community at the heart of Woodcroft 🤩 👀In our latest case study, discover the story of The Rising Sun, an award-winning pub that has become a vital hub for the community of Woodcroft in Gloucestershire. ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/connecting-the-community-woodcroft/

🗣️Advocating for change  Plunkett’s annual repor tshows that community businesses are doing exactly what government says it wants to achieve – driving inclusive growth, boosting pride in place, and empowering local decision-making. ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/better-business-report-2025/

Caroline Voaden MP has received Plunkett's backing over her call for the establishment of a Community Ownership Fund (COF) within six months of the passage of the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill.  Read more: https://plunkett.co.uk/plunkett-urges-government-to-accept-cof-amendment/

@wendychambld.bsky.social and @willierennie.bsky.social have visited Plunkett members – The Haven Community Inn & Elie Kirk Community Enterprise to see the role we have in supporting thriving communities. ➡️Read more: https://plunkett.co.uk/parliamentarians-visit-community-businesses-in-north-fife/

Join us for this FREE webinar with Bertie Herrtage, The Crowdfunding Coach, on how to engage your community and bring your business project to life. ➡️Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crowdfunding-how-to-tell-your-story-for-a-successful-campaign-tickets-1921534113259

Over 70 politicians, partners, and community business representatives gathered at the Houses of Parliament this week to launch our flagship research report.📝 ➡️Read more about the day and our key messages: https://plunkett.co.uk/parliament-hears-rural-community-business-concerns-at-report-launch/

💻Join our free webinar to explore how #combiz can broaden their services to better support local needs and we will discuss how to build business plans that deliver even more. ➡️ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/providing-access-to-a-wide-range-of-services-tickets-1813348978609

UK's community businesses deliver social, economic and environmental benefits, says @plunkettuk.bsky.social – but the government needs to step up support for sector #coops

🗣️Our new research reveals that rural #combiz are already delivering social, economic and environmental benefits that align directly with government ambitions – yet they remain under-recognised & under-supported in doing so. ➡️Read the report: https://plunkett.co.uk/better-business-report-2025

Catch up on all the latest news from October! 🗞️ Collaboration took centre stage this month at Plunkett UK. 🤝 ➡️Explore more: https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-october-10595282

Coming soon…🔜 📜We’re excited to launch our annual state-of-the-sector research on Monday!  👀Keep an eye on our website and socials throughout the week for updates!

Representing Plunkett Members in Political Conversations🤝  In our latest blog, our Head of External Affairs, David Lydiat, reflects on what he heard and engaged with at the Conservative and Labour Party Conferences.  👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/representing-our-members-in-political-conversations/

🗣️“Barratt Redrow’s vision is aligned with our own – we both want to see resilient, thriving & inclusive communities.” Harriet English, Deputy CEO at Plunkett UK ➡️Read more about our partnership: https://plunkett.co.uk/new-collaboration-between-plunkett-uk-and-barratt-redrow/

Enjoy this short video from our recent tour of community businesses in Oxfordshire 👉Find out more about the visits and our partnership with the Co-operatives Retail Society network in our collaborative blog: https://plunkett.co.uk/places-that-genuinely-care-for-people/

In this case study, discover the story of GALE’s award-winning approach to inclusive volunteering & year-round community impact They’ve built a model that not only serves their own community but offers a blueprint for others across the UK.🤩 https://plunkett.co.uk/investing-in-local-people-at-gale/

We're excited to be convening a roundtable with a select group of hospitality industry experts & supporters in Oxfordshire today. Hosted with Diageo, we’re gathering insights to help these spaces thrive as inclusive, sustainable hubs. We'll share more about today's outcomes soon! 👀

Recently, our Deputy CEO, Harriet English, was in Pease Pottage, West Sussex - home to Thakeham’s brand new community of Woodgate & its thriving community shop, for an afternoon of filming. The video will showcase Woodgate’s long-term legacy, & how this community is different from so many others

📽️Plunkett member, The Chequers in Roxford, Essex was the star attraction in a feature about community-owned pubs broadcast on BBC Morning Live today. ➡️Watch the feature to find out more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002ktgh/morning-live-series-7-16102025 from 34:00

Recently, we welcomed James Dady, Member Relations Co-ordinator from our partner, @cooperativesuk.bsky.social, to Oxfordshire to share more about Plunkett UK and to see two Oxfordshire community-owned businesses in action. Discover more: https://plunkett.co.uk/places-that-genuinely-care-for-people/

🗣️ Have your say on rural life! RSN has launched a new survey to capture rural voices across  England. 📝 8–10 mins | Anonymous | Real impact 👇 http://bit.ly/3VlVq1i @rsnonline.bsky.social

Head of External Affairs, David Lydiat, has represented Plunkett UK recently at both Labour & Conservative Party Conferences. 🤝 🗣️He met with key decision makers and organisations to discuss a range of current issues, and working together in the interests of Plunkett Members...

Community at the heart of new collaboration 💚 We are delighted to announce a new three-year strategic partnership with the country’s largest homebuilder, Barratt Redrow. 🤝 ➡️Find out more: https://plunkett.co.uk/new-collaboration-between-plunkett-uk-and-barratt-redrow/

Catch up from all the latest news from September!📰 Equity, diversity, & inclusion remain central to our mission - and this month, inclusion took centre stage.  Take a moment to explore what we’ve been up to this Monday lunchtime  https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-september-10594788

Three decades of community ownership at Itteringham Community Shop 🤩 In this case study, committee member Mike Hemsley, shares insights into Itteringham’s journey of having a community-owned shop. 👉Read more: https://plunkett.co.uk/30yrs-of-community-ownership-at-itteringham-shop/

💻A webinar for your diaries – boosting the local economy In this webinar, we will be focusing on ways in which community-owned businesses can boost their local economy.  Join the conversation! 🗣️ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-impact-boosting-the-local-economy-tickets-1753159831249

📽️Hear from Carly, a volunteer and director at Barr Community Shop in South Ayrshire, as she highlights the significance of being a Plunkett member. Interested in joining our network?  Discover the many benefits of becoming a Plunkett member. ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/become-a-member/

The transformative power of co-operation 🙌 Sophie Ziegler-Jones, Comms & PR Lead at Suma Wholefoods, explains why partnering with us & supporting community businesses is a natural fit for them as a co-operative wholesaler. 🤝 ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/the-transformative-power-of-co-operation/

📻More fantastic radio coverage!  This morning, our CEO, James Alcock, featured on BBC Radio Somerset’s Breakfast Show, where he highlighted our ongoing support for community-owned businesses throughout the UK. 🍻 👉Scroll to 2:28:36 to hear James: