Blogs

Creating a genuine sense of community spirit

2026-04-13T13:24:52+00:00

This is the story of Semley Village Stores, who show how a rural community shop can become a powerhouse of teamwork, youth development and local impact. You can dance; you can jive…where team spirit shines You may spot the cheeky ABBA nod, but there’s a good reason for it. [...]

Creating a genuine sense of community spirit2026-04-13T13:24:52+00:00

Supporting Hospitality Through Headwinds

2026-03-27T16:04:53+00:00

Elisabeth Rochford explains Diageo’s partnership with Plunkett to help communities safeguard local hospitality It was a real pleasure for Diageo to have sponsored Plunkett UK’s hospitality roundtable in October last year, and to continue to partner with them in their vital work. We believe in the value of hospitality, community, [...]

Supporting Hospitality Through Headwinds2026-03-27T16:04:53+00:00

Community-Washing and the Lessons from BrewDog

2026-03-04T13:01:25+00:00

Alex Begg, a Trustee at Plunkett UK, reflects on the demise of the multinational brewery and pub chain – and explains why genuine community ownership matters more than ever. It has been a sobering week for many long-standing supporters of BrewDog. The once-celebrated “Equity for Punks” campaign, which raised more [...]

Community-Washing and the Lessons from BrewDog2026-03-04T13:01:25+00:00

Start-up Community Business Banking

2026-02-26T11:36:33+00:00

Plunkett UK's Community Business Adviser, Nick Comley, explains how early stage community groups can most safely and easily handle money when funds arrive before a bank account does. You want to set up a rural community-owned business. You have the support from your community, the premises lined up and the [...]

Start-up Community Business Banking2026-02-26T11:36:33+00:00

Adapting for the impact of climate change

2026-02-20T16:08:10+00:00

Climate change is here - how prepared is your community business? Our Impact Officer, George Ogier, shares insights from our latest environment special interest group with Verture on building climate resilience In January 2025, thanks to a partnership with the Dulverton Trust, Plunkett UK began delivering a series of special [...]

Adapting for the impact of climate change2026-02-20T16:08:10+00:00

Reversing rural decline through community ownership

2026-02-18T16:57:10+00:00

The growing impact of community-owned businesses in protecting local services Across the UK we are seeing an increase in the closure of public services, leaving residents – especially older people and those with disabilities – without places that are vital to daily life. When these spaces disappear, so does access [...]

Reversing rural decline through community ownership2026-02-18T16:57:10+00:00

How a community saved its pub and restored its social anchor

2026-02-13T16:06:55+00:00

In his final edition of his Scottish Comms tour, Communications Officer, Michael Wolverson, tells the story of the award-winning Kenmuir Arms. “This pub has brought the village back to life.” These words of Nigel, former Chair of the New Luce Trust, stayed with me as he described the profound impact [...]

How a community saved its pub and restored its social anchor2026-02-13T16:06:55+00:00

Restoring a sense of connection

2026-01-27T16:01:10+00:00

How a village in Cornwall has worked together to open a community-owned shop, drawing on a shared vision, local skills, and support from Plunkett. After more than two years without a village shop – and the vibrant social hub it provided – the people of Downderry in Cornwall has revived [...]

Restoring a sense of connection2026-01-27T16:01:10+00:00

Facing the future

2026-03-06T16:15:08+00:00

With challenges rising for community-owned shops, adaptation is essential. Our Future of Rural Retail report sets out the steps communities should consider taking to thrive. Across the country, around 450 community owned shops are acting as vital lifelines for the communities they serve. Many have been trading for decades, and [...]

Facing the future2026-03-06T16:15:08+00:00

Securing a pub’s future: Lessons from The Punch Bowl Inn

2026-01-12T10:50:01+00:00

You’re passionate about coming together as a community to save and run your village pub – but how do you find the funding to turn that vision into reality? Andrew Dubock, Plunkett UK's Communications Manager, shares how one North Yorkshire village made it happen. Nestled amongst rolling green countryside, the [...]

Securing a pub’s future: Lessons from The Punch Bowl Inn2026-01-12T10:50:01+00:00
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