Did you know… community businesses have, on average, a five-year survival rate of 99%? This is radically higher than the 39% survival rate of private small and medium enterprises over the same period.
As the only organisation dedicated to supporting rural community-owned businesses across the UK, Plunkett’s Impact Report 2025 showcases the widespread, life-changing impact that Plunkett makes to the sector, and how we influence community businesses to have local impact through five measurable themes.
To date, Plunkett has supported 828 community businesses to open and, with almost another 800 in our pipeline, and 30 opening each year, our movement continues to grow.
As a charity, we make impact through:
- Raising awareness: In 2024, we reached an estimated total media audience of 15 million people with coverage in national and local TV, radio and print channels.
- Providing practical support: In 2024, we assisted 302 community groups with community ownership advice via our accessible phone line and delivered 44 training events.
- Representing our members’ interests: In 2024 we responded to 6 government consultations and took part in 11 national campaigns and alliances.
With Plunkett’s support, we know that community businesses have impact by:
Safeguarding access to a wide range of goods and services: Thriving where others fail, many offer more than basic services – acting as multi-service hubs that proactively reach out to support people most vulnerable. We estimate 2 million people across the UK benefit from rural community businesses, of which 25% of beneficiaries are likely to be aged 65+ and more vulnerable to poverty, isolation, and loneliness.
Boosting the local economy: Community businesses tend to source goods and services locally, creating a circular economy in the places they exist. For example, in 2024, community shops sourced from an estimated total of 13,000 local suppliers, with many helping other new business start-ups who used their local community shop as a first step to market.
Creating opportunities for employment, training and volunteering: Many community businesses actively employ people who face barriers to work, such as those with caring responsibilities, disabilities, or limited qualifications. There are a total of 25,000 volunteers in community businesses; it is something that is equally important for younger and older people – an opportunity to be part of something and feel valued.
Tackling climate change: Rural community businesses are investing time and resources into initiatives that have a positive environmental impact. It is integral to the way they do business, not an add-on, and they do it for the greater good, not because it translates to sales. More than 8 in 10 community businesses have either installed or are considering installing energy saving measures.
Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion by creating safe and welcoming spaces for all: Rural community-owned businesses are naturally inclusive as a result of their democratic ownership structure. They are gathering places that foster social connections and a sense of belonging, regardless of background, age, or ability. A third of them offer employment to people for whom it was their first paid job.
Put simply, not only do community businesses deliver on protecting vital rural services, but they continue to place social value at the heart of what they do.
Harriet English, Plunkett’s Deputy Chief Executive, says, “It’s a simple act such as placing a chair near a till for a spontaneous cup of coffee and chat that demonstrates community business commitment to being welcoming and inclusive places for all, especially to those in need of a sense of connection and belonging.
“We are very proud of our impact for rural communities across the UK, which we would not be able to do without the support of philanthropic trusts and foundations, corporate partners and organisations in the placemaking sector. Working in partnership and collaboration with others ensures the community business sector will continue to go from strength to strength, creating thriving, resilient and inclusive communities for generations to come.”
