Gordon Hector, Trustee of Plunkett, gave evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business & the Rural Powerhouse on Tuesday for their inquiry: ‘How does rural fit into the devolution agenda?’ ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/the-role-of-rural-in-devolution-discussed-in-parliament/

Community-Washing & the Lessons from BrewDog In this blog, Alex Begg, a Trustee at Plunkett UK, reflects on the demise of the multinational brewery & pub chain – & explains why community ownership matters more than ever. 🌟 ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/community-washing-and-the-lessons-from-brewdog/

@plunkettuk.bsky.social are key delivery partner of the Scottish Rural Network. They host and deliver the Scottish Rural and Island Community Pub Network. Funded by SRN, the initiative supports community organisations seeking to develop or take ownership of a local pub within their own community.

February’s update from Plunkett UK. 🗞️ This month, our focus has been on championing rural hospitality - highlighting the challenges these businesses face while showcasing the effectiveness and impact of community ownership.  ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-february26-10597099

We’re hiring! 📣 We are looking for a Policy Manager to lead our policy & public affairs work, ensuring rural #combiz have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision making. Find out more about the role and how to apply > https://plunkett.co.uk/job-vacancy-policy-manager/

The significant social benefits of rural community businesses shone through during a joint visit by Plunkett UK and Southern Co-op to Hampshire earlier this month. 🤝 Discover more about the visits in our latest news piece 👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/social-impact-community-businesses-in-hampshire/

Our latest blog explores the growing impact of #combiz in protecting vital local services. 🌟 Drawing on insights from both our Impact Report & #FORR, we highlight how community businesses safeguard access to services by being “more than”.   https://plunkett.co.uk/reversing-rural-decline/

If you have not done so already, we strongly encourage you to respond directly to the Government’s call for evidence with your own experiences, evidence, and recommendations. Submit your response by midnight tomorrow (18 February) 👇 www.gov.uk/government/c...

How a community saved its pub and restored its social anchor 🙌 In his final edition of his Scottish Comms tour, Communications Officer, Michael Wolverson, tells the story of the award-winning Kenmuir Arms. Read more ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/how-a-community-restored-its-social-anchor/

More is needed for rural areas 📣 Last week, the PM announced an additional £800 million for the Pride in Place programme "While we welcome investment in community needs, we remain disappointed that rural areas continue to be overlooked." - James Alcock, Chief Executive, Plunkett UK. 🗣️

Members shape response to government consultation 🗣️ Our updated policy paper sets out what rural community businesses need to grow. 📈 Have your say by 18 Feb. Read more & our full response below. 👇 https://plunkett.co.uk/members-shape-response-to-government-consultation/

Community-owned pubs are keeping rural places alive – but @plunkettuk.bsky.social warns the government’s new business rates discount won’t address the pressures they face. Plunkett is calling for more ambitious, long-term support for community ownership. ➡️ plunkett.co.uk/government-p...

Time to have your say! 🗣️ We are encouraging members to respond to a new UK Government consultation on business support for co-operatives - including rural #combiz Respond by Wednesday 18 February 2026.  https://plunkett.co.uk/government-consultation-co-operative-business-support/

Our first newsletter of 2026…🗞️ With January finally behind us, we hope the year has begun positively and productively for you. It’s certainly been a busy start here at Plunkett UK. Catch up on all the latest news from January ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-january26

Restoring a sense of connection 🌟 After more than 2 years without a village shop, the people of Downderry have brought it back to life. Check out our latest blog to see how they came together to open the shop, with support from Plunkett. 🤝 ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/restoring-a-sense-of-connection/

Government support package leaves rural communities exposed Plunkett has expressed disappointment following the government’s announcement of a 15% business rates discount for pubs from April. ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/government-pub-support-package-falls-short-and-leaves-rural-communities-exposed/

Paul Jennings from The Fox at Loxley featured on BBC CWR to discuss the challenges on pubs. 📻 Paul points to our Better Business report, saying it “contains what can be done to make sure we keep the heart of rural life alive.” Scroll to 1hr 22mins

Recently, we submitted our policy recommendations on tackling rural deprivation to the Labour Rural Research Group FOR its call for evidence for an upcoming report on rural poverty. Read the full response: https://plunkett.co.uk/tackling-deprivation-in-rural-areas-through-community-ownership/

Help shape future support for the #Combiz sector 📈 We are encouraging members to respond to a new UK Government consultation on business support for co-operatives - including rural #combiz Find out more 👇

In our latest blog, created in partnership with @goodfinanceuk.bsky.social, Andrew Dubock, Plunkett’s Communications Manager, shares how one North Yorkshire village brought their idea of a community pub to reality.  ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/securing-a-pubs-future-lessons-from-the-punch-bowl-inn/

📽️Hear from Sarah Benn, Membership Manager at Plunkett UK, inviting all community shops and retailers across the South West to The Big South West Meet Up. ➡️Reserve your space: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-south-west-meet-up-tickets-1978593989886

Pub-saving superheroes! 🤩🍻 @camraofficial.bsky.social have recently announced their 2025 Pub Saving Awards, and we’re thrilled to see several Plunkett supported groups recognised.  👉Find out more: https://wb.camra.org.uk/2026/01/14/pub-saving-superheroes-in-the-spotlight

Running a community shop in the South West?  This half day event could shape your future. 📈 🗓️The Big South West Meet Up - 5 Feb at Powderham Castle.  🚨Spaces are limited…so don’t miss out.🚨 ➡️Book your place today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-south-west-meet-up-tickets-1978593989886

👀If you haven’t yet seen it, take a moment to watch our Chief Executive James Alcock’s New Year message, filmed at long‑standing Plunkett member Hampstead Norreys Community Shop in Berkshire. 🔗 https://plunkett.co.uk/new-year-message-from-our-ceo/

January: The Perfect Time to Get Your Business Organised 📈 💡In our first blog of 2026, Community Business Manager, Alison Macklin, offers insights on what your #combiz should prioritise as we enter the new year. ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/january-time-to-get-your-business-organised/

Is our support suitable for your community group? 🤔 🔗Use the link below to access our flowchart, which guides you through a series of questions to help you understand whether our services match your needs.  ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/signposting/

Plunkett UK has shared its insights & policy suggestions to tackle deprivation in rural areas with the Labour Rural Research Group in response to its call for evidence to inform an upcoming report.

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/