Hear from Solomon Nolan, who reflects on his week of work experience with us, and what he learnt about the community business sector
As a wildlife and conservation student who lives in a rural village, I am a part of an array of small communities which was the catalyst for me to want to explore the work that Plunkett does and to see the effects that the support can offer to communities like mine.
The week started with a history lesson about the origins of Plunkett UK and what the motivation is for the charity to focus on community-run businesses. The history paints a wonderful picture of a few people having an idea and working hard to bring communities closer together. These foundations, which Horace Plunkett and his team laid over 100 years ago, have facilitated the current success of the charity and the good reputation which it holds with pride.
My week with Plunkett was full of information and opportunities. Engaging with various departments, such as Communications, Membership, and Data/Policy, inspired me. The experience gave me the impression of a charity that fosters a supportive environment for its staff, empowering them to carry out the valuable support to community-owned businesses.
During the week, I was invited to leave the office and travel to three community businesses with Engagement Manager, Gemma, and Communications and Marketing Assistant, Michael. We headed to The Boundary at St Mary Bourne, Headley Village Shop and The Tally Ho Community Pub, Hungerford.
All these businesses had their own unique aspects, but there were some similarities that came up in our discussions; keeping volunteer numbers and securing reliable suppliers willing to provide smaller stock quantities were common themes through these conversations. After the initial buzz of a new business, having the community’s support continues to prove to be tough but all three businesses have adapted to the needs of their locals. For instance, The Boundary is installing bike racks for passing cyclists and expanding the car park to accommodate everyone, even during the days when the nearby fields host cricket matches.
Headley Village Shop
Filming a piece to camera with David, for Plunkett’s social media channels
I really enjoyed speaking with David from The Boundary in St Mary Bourne, and was particularly intrigued by his views on being a Plunkett UK member and how it benefits him and the committee.
David, stressed the importance of having Plunkett’s support readily available when needed, saying, “Working with Plunkett gives us a valuable resource to rely on in times of need.”
Additionally, Peter from Headley Village Shop shared how beneficial the Plunkett health check they received was and recommended it to other businesses.
Hear from David Burlison, Committee Member of The Boundary Shop and Café, St Mary Bourne, who expresses how Plunkett are readily available in times of need.
Community businesses stocking local produce!
Through Plunkett’s support for community businesses, they have a specific mission to create innovative, impactful and inclusive spaces for communities, they have five distinct areas. One of these areas is to ‘Stimulate the local economy’, and when visiting the Tally Ho, one of their draft beers was brewed mere minutes away and the bar staff were mentioning this to customers and championing the local company. Also I saw that Headley Village Shop provided plants that were donated by the local community and in the shop there was a wide range of local alcohol, candles and perfumes, honey, condiments and pastries.
Local produce at Headley Village Shop
The Tally Ho sign, designed by a local volunteer!
Another way in which Plunkett encourages community businesses to be impactful is by ‘promoting equality, diversity and inclusion’. When talking to staff in The Boundary, it was brought to our attention that two of their paid staff members are Ukrainian refugees and they added that the ladies had been valuable members of the business and the wider community.
A poignant comment, which seems to apply to all the community business, was provided by a volunteer in The Tally Ho; when asked about the pub and its position in the community she said, “It’s not just nice, it’s important”.
Thank you, Plunkett, for helping me experience the wonderful work that you do and giving me the opportunity to meet some interesting communities, like mine back home. I can honestly say, if any community-run businesses need support or want access to people in similar situations as them, I truly recommend contacting Plunkett for advice and support.
Join the movement: Become a member today
If you’re curious about the advantages of becoming a member like Headley Village Shop and The Boundary, then why not join over 600 individuals, community businesses and corporate partners?
Your membership, which for individuals’- costs just £20 per year, will support our ambition to grow the community ownership movement across the nation.
