From navigating the challenges of Covid-19 to proudly supporting local suppliers, this is the story of a community shop in East Yorkshire that keeps locals connected and well-stocked when it matters most

Bishop Wilton is a village in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Residents banded together to open a community-owned shop in January 2020 and were immediately faced with one of the biggest challenges in modern times, COVID-19.

Plans on how to best serve the locals were thrown into turmoil as government measures came into force. Those involved with the shop had always wanted it to be a “hub” for the community, and so it would prove as the national lockdown was introduced, and people turned to the new community shop more than ever.

The café which had opened as part of the shop had to close and the layout changed, enabling the committee to increase the level of stock. However, the reduced number of volunteers and truncated opening hours meant a steep learning curve for all involved.

Customers in the café, pictured before the Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing rules.

The shop wasn’t alone – a dedicated programme of support was launched by Plunkett UK (at the time Plunkett Foundation) to help rural community businesses across the UK as they battled the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus lockdown.

Part of that battle was to keep the shelves stocked and with the usual wholesalers unable to meet demand, local suppliers came to the rescue.

Committee member Louise Butcher said: “they were brilliant keeping us stocked up with local produce and sales have gone up and up!”.

It was a huge effort to keep the shop going through lockdown and as a result it became a linchpin for the community.

A group of community shop members smile to the camera

Volunteers at Bishop Wilton Community Shop

The Shop continues to rise to the challenge and recently won Plunkett UK’s Keeping it Local award, sponsored by Co-op

The award celebrated businesses who have engaged with local suppliers to broaden their range but to also boost the local economy. Bishop Wilton Shop were worthy winners and have built on the ties forged during the pandemic. From local artists producing gift cards, to residents growing flowers for sale in the shop and even eggs from a local farm, the shop works wherever possible with local producers to fill the shelves.

Much of the credit for this continued work goes to the shop manager, Anna Kemp, who came to collect the award with committee members. Shoppers often recommend products, and Anna will reach out to suppliers and make sure each one is researched before they go on sale.

At a time when shopping habits are changing, shops are having to pivot their offerings to stand out and Bishop Wilton are a fantastic example of both staying relevant and working to support other local enterprises.

Find out more about how community businesses use local supply by reading our latest Impact Report.

Representatives from the shop receiving their award during the ceremony at the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Watch this short video to find out more about the shop…

Bishop Wilton’s top 5 tips for keeping it local!

Shift your mindset from simple transactions to building genuine, friendly relationships with your suppliers. By treating these connections as personal partnerships, you create a supportive network that benefits both the producer and the shop. We believe this local “partnership frame of mind” is essential for long-term community success.

When considering new producers, try and have a clear research process focused on quality and value for money. It’s always a great idea to request samples first, ensuring each local product truly aligns with your shop’s unique character and quality. This diligence ensures that “keeping it local” never means compromising on the excellence your customers expect.

Use the collective wisdom of your community by asking volunteers and customers for their feedback on potential new items. Involving them in the tasting or testing phase helps ensure the stock resonates with your audience. This collaborative approach builds trust and ensures that the shop truly reflects the community’s tastes.

Stay inspired by attending local supplier fairs and joining regional social media groups to discover fresh talent. Visiting other community-owned shops and taking photos of successful displays can provide valuable new ideas. Being active in these circles helps you identify the best local producers before they become mainstream.

Invite your suppliers to the shop for special events where they can showcase their products directly your customers. These interactions allow producers to get to know their customers and receive immediate, helpful feedback. It transforms a simple purchase into a community event that celebrates the hard work of local makers.

We’re here to help you thrive

You can find out more about how Plunkett are helping businesses to futureproof by downloading our recent report into the Future of Rural Retail.

If you have any questions about this case study, your community-owned business, or you would like to find out more about Plunkett UK’s work please email info@plunkett.co.uk or call 01993 630022.

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