Plunkett UK is delighted to launch the Community-owned Business Buddy Scheme, a new initiative designed to connect community-owned shops, pubs and cafés with experienced co-operative retailers.
Having launched on 16 September 2026, the Buddy Scheme will formally link community businesses with nearby co-operative retail managers, creating opportunities to share expertise, develop new ideas and strengthen businesses for the benefit of the communities they serve.
The first business buddy is Becci Britland, Retail Store Manager at Bakewell Store and Board Member at OurCoop. Drawing on her extensive experience in the retail sector, Becci will work alongside community-owned businesses to share practical insights, support business growth and encourage peer-to-peer learning.
Hannah Barrett, Partnerships Manager at Plunkett UK, said:
“We are delighted that the wonderful Becci Britland from Bakewell Store is our first business buddy. The scheme is about much more than knowledge exchange. It is about helping both businesses grow, increase sales and better meet the needs of the communities they serve. Becci brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and practical expertise, making her the perfect person to help launch this exciting new initiative.”
Watch the video to find out more about Becci
Getting to know Becci
Becci Britland brings more than 20 years of experience in the co-operative retail sector and is currently Store Manager at Bakewell Co-op. Alongside managing the store, Becci also serves as a colleague-elected Board Director, helping to shape the future of the organisation while ensuring colleagues’ voices are represented at board level.
Becci is particularly passionate about the role co-operatives play in supporting local communities. As a member of both the Northern and Yorkshire Community Councils, she works with schools, care homes and community groups to deliver initiatives ranging from healthy eating sessions to Fairtrade education, helping to bring people together and strengthen local connections.
Speaking about the opportunity, Becci said:
“What I’m really hoping to get out of the Buddy Scheme is a true collaboration of ideas, sharing knowledge, leadership skills and those little hints and tips that make a difference. I’m excited to learn from a community-owned shop as much as I can share my own experience, and I can’t wait to take new ideas back to Bakewell Store and my team. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other and share great practice.”
Cooperation among co-operatives
This scheme demonstrates the co-operative principle of “co-operation among co-operatives” in action. OurCoop, formed through the merger of Central Co-op and Midcounties Co-op in January 2026, is a member of the Co-operative Retail Society Network (CRSN), a unique collaboration between Plunkett UK and a growing number of co-operative retail societies.
The partnership aims to grow the size and impact of the rural community-owned business sector and help the co-operative model flourish. Members of the CRSN provide funding, share co-operative and retail expertise, work together to raise the profile of community businesses and explore innovative ways to support the sector.
The new Buddy Scheme has been inspired by a previous buddying agreement between Midcounties Co-op (now OurCoop) and Appleton Community Shop in Oxfordshire.
“During the re-vamp of Appleton Community Shop, the advice and practical support from the brilliant team at our local MidCounties Coop was invaluable. We were so grateful for their generous input of retail expertise and insights, their constructive challenging of our planned changes, and their skills with a paintbrush!”
Laura, Volunteer at Appleton Community Shop
Apply to become our first Buddy Scheme Partnership
The scheme is open to trading community-owned shops that are Community Business Members of Plunkett UK and located within approximately two hours of Bakewell. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Bakewell Store and host Becci at their own business, creating valuable opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange.
Applications can be submitted by an individual, such as a shop or volunteer manager, or on behalf of a wider staff, volunteer or management team. We are looking for businesses that are keen to learn, develop new ideas and explore how they can further strengthen their impact within their community.
To apply, simply tell us why you would like to take part in the scheme and what you hope to learn from Becci. Applications can be submitted in writing, by video, or through a recorded call with the Plunkett team.
Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 5 October, with successful applicants being notified by Thursday 15 October.
