Blogs

Hear from Patrick Marks, who reflects on his week of work experience with us, and what he learnt about the community business sector As a student going into my second year of A levels with an interest in doing history at University (particularly in social history), work experience at Plunkett [...]

The Rural Community Business Awards is a major highlight in Plunkett’s annual calendar. Get the lowdown and reaction from the 2025 event, which celebrated our members' tenacity and commitment to making a difference in their communities. Rural community businesses’ extraordinary impact was honoured during a jubilant awards event, hosted by [...]

Our Communications Officer, Michael Wolverson reports from his tour of community pubs from South West Scotland, made possible by our partnership with the Scottish Government’s Rural Network “This pub has brought the village back to life.”- Nigel, The Kenmuir Arms. It’s a phrase I often hear when writing about community [...]

This week, from 9–15 June, we mark Loneliness Awareness Week; a time to reflect on the role that communities play in bringing people together, especially those who are experiencing loneliness. At Plunkett UK, we understand that loneliness can affect individuals in rural areas. Our latest Impact Report reveals that in [...]

With this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May) highlighting the role of community, Michael Wolverson spotlights two community businesses that intentionally support people facing anxiety and depression and give them a new sense of purpose. Mental health is something we all experience differently, that’s why it’s hard to define [...]

Whether it's holding a range of events or empowering volunteers of all ages, community businesses continuously go the extra mile to foster safe and welcoming environments Community connection is at the heart of what community businesses are all about; they create safe, welcoming spaces where people feel seen, heard, and [...]

Our Chief Executive, James Alcock, reflects on Plunkett’s experience at Anthropy, an annual gathering of leaders held at the Eden Project. What started in 2022 as a 3-day national gathering at the Eden Project in Cornwall, is now a membership body facilitating year-round collaboration promoting responsible practices within business, fostering new [...]

At our Rural Community Business Awards, the ‘Investing in Local People’ category celebrates how community businesses are transforming lives through employment, training, and volunteering. In rural areas, job opportunities are limited and declining. However, community businesses are well-placed to provide diverse opportunities for both paid work and volunteering, which [...]

Honouring the women who drive Plunkett UK's mission forward and inspire community resilience March marks Women’s History Month, dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the social and historical contributions and achievements of women. At Plunkett, we proudly celebrate the women in our organisation. This year, we are thrilled to announce [...]