Our business support

We provide practical advice, business support and training to help communities establish and run innovative and inclusive community businesses that make a positive impact for local people.

A community business is any type of business that trades for community benefit and is democratically owned and controlled by the local community.

Plunkett supports community businesses across the UK, providing business advice to all types of community business, at all stages of their journey – from the initial idea, to long after the business is open and trading.

Groups and organisations seeking support from Plunkett can access:

  • Helpline support (Monday – Friday) on +44 (0)1993 630022

  • A comprehensive pattern of support as shown in the chart below – click on the image to expand it in your browser and read more

A chart to show Plunkett's typical pattern of support to groups

  • Advice and guidance relating to legal structures including assistance with establishing a Community Benefit Society with Plunkett UK Model Rules

  • Access to small/large scale learning & information events

  • Online and face-to-face events, training and networking opportunities

  • Resources and templates

  • Enhanced support – including an annual business healthcheck – for Plunkett Community Business members

If you are considering setting up a community-owned business, or are involved in an established community business but need advice, take a few moments to answer our questions to find out if you are suitable for Plunkett support.

For those groups ineligible for funded support we offer a range of ‘paid for’ consultancy services with discounts for members. If you need to cover the costs of our business advice within a funding proposal we can help. To find out more please contact info@plunkett.co.uk

Contact us for support
Essential resources
Current programmes

Plunkett has a UK-wide network of expert advisers.

This enables us to create bespoke business support packages for each community-owned business. The team are industry experts – some have worked for decades in the sector delivering business support, others have direct community business experience having formed or run their local community business; several have both of these attributes.

Their expertise is varied, and include community engagement, governance, business planning, financial planning, marketing, legal structures, and raising finance though to practical on-the-job training on customer service, merchandising, and retailing.

Absolutely invaluable

“The support offered by Plunkett to community businesses is absolutely invaluable. I don’t believe that we would have been able to begin to contemplate the process without you!”

Community Shop, Oxfordshire

Extremely beneficial

“We found the experience of working with Plunkett extremely beneficial. The adviser was concise and direct and his advice was extremely helpful.”

Community Pub, Central Scotland

Very knowledgeable

“[We were] put in touch with a very knowledgeable expert in the area of interest who understood exactly where we were coming from and what we wanted to achieve.”

Community Pub, Devon

Top-up Community Consultancy

Plunkett UK offers (free) funded support to community business members and eligible communities. However, if your project / organisation / community is not eligible, or you want to top up your funded support, we can curate a support package for you.

Plunkett Community Business Members receive a 20% discount on our consultancy service day rates. Find out more about membership here.

Our consultancy services include, but are not limited, to the following:

The Community Shares Standard Mark ensures that your community share offer meets national standards. Being awarded the mark demonstrates that your offer is clear, honest, transparent and that investors have all the facts they need to make informed decisions. The Standard Mark is not a requirement of a share issue, nor appropriate for all community groups, but reassures committees that they are adhering to best practice and gives investors confidence.

Approximate costs for 2.5 days of support:
Non-member rate: £2,000+VAT
Member rate: £1,600+VAT

If you are holding an event, conference or community meeting Plunkett UK can provide key speakers, deliver practical workshops and inspiring presentations. We can help you to engage local residents, re-invigorate members, talk to corporate partners/funders and councils. Our rates depend on the level of preparation required, length of involvement and location.

If you would like assistance with your community consultation Plunkett UK would be happy to help – this could be developing a consultation plan, writing your survey, hosting a community meeting, or analysing your data. Our rates depend on the level of preparation required, length of involvement and location.

If you have a specific training need, we can design a bespoke session for you. Sessions could cover topics such as: finding funding, community shares, committee roles and responsibilities, responsible employment, volunteer management, stock management, customer service, holding an AGM through to managing members. Our rates depend on the level of preparation required, length of involvement and location.

Communities highly value facilitated peer-to-peer study visits accompanied by a Plunkett Adviser. The Adviser will guide the discussion to ensure you get the most from your visit and share their own knowledge regarding setting up and developing a community business. This is a fantastic way to learn from others. Visits can be arranged in person or online. Our costs include a fee to the host community business for their time.

Non-member rate: £660+VAT for an online study visit, £1,450+VAT for an in-person study visit
Member rate: approximately £530+VAT for an online study visit, £1,160+VAT for an in-person study visit

If you would like a resource, presentation or report written for your organisation or project Plunkett UK would love to hear from you. Perhaps you need a bespoke report for a funder, a presentation for a community meeting or a resource on community business for a new audience, please get in touch.

Whether you are just starting out, or have many years’ experience, taking on external governance advice can help your organisation to run efficiently, ensure you are adhering to legislation/best practice, tackle difficult issues and re-spark enthusiasm from within the committee and the community. We are happy to help you address a specific problem, or undertake a full organisational review.

Packages generally range from 0.5-4 days depending on your community’s need.
Non-member rate: from £400+VAT
Member rate: from £320+VAT

Our Advisers will help you to develop your vision and work with you to create a comprehensive, accessible document. A well-developed business plan is crucial for your community, committee and funders. It will guide decision making, entice investors and legitimise your project. We will help you to discuss your ideas, provide sector data, input knowledge based on experience, provide templates and good practice examples, analyse your financial forecasts and more.

Packages generally range from 1-4 days depending on your community’s need.
Non-member rate: from £800+VAT
Member rate: from £640+VAT

Choosing the correct legal structure for your organisation is vital for it’s long-term success. Our Adviser will discuss your project aims then provide you with an overview of the options available to you, they will answer your questions and assist you to choose the right structure for your project.

Non-member rate: from £800+VAT
Member rate: from £640+VAT