News

Our annual awards returns for another year!

2026-03-12T15:53:51+00:00

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Rural Community Business Awards, sponsored by Lands Improvement, celebrating the best of our community business members across the country. One of the year's most anticipated events for Plunkett UK is back! This year’s Rural Community Business Awards will take place on Thursday [...]

Our annual awards returns for another year!2026-03-12T15:53:51+00:00

The role of rural in devolution discussed in Parliament

2026-03-06T15:10:46+00:00

Gordon Hector, a Trustee of Plunkett UK, gave evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse on Tuesday for their inquiry: ‘How does rural fit into the devolution agenda?’ Rural communities risk being overlooked under devolution if new authorities prioritise urban areas. Many lack [...]

The role of rural in devolution discussed in Parliament2026-03-06T15:10:46+00:00

Plunkett UK warns Government not to overlook rural realities in Post Office reform

2026-02-27T16:04:42+00:00

Plunkett UK has responded to the Government’s recent announcement on the future of the Post Office, acknowledging several positive commitments – but warning that the framework still lacks a full understanding of how rural communities sustain their local branches. As the national charity supporting over 850 community-owned businesses, Plunkett sees [...]

Plunkett UK warns Government not to overlook rural realities in Post Office reform2026-02-27T16:04:42+00:00

Job vacancy: Policy Manager

2026-02-27T12:23:00+00:00

We are looking for a Policy Manager to lead our policy and public affairs work, ensuring rural community-owned businesses have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision making. Role: Policy Manager Reporting to: Chief Executive Line Reports: n/a Salary Band: £28,000 - £46,015 Contract: Full time – [...]

Job vacancy: Policy Manager2026-02-27T12:23:00+00:00

Social impact of community businesses on partnership visit to Hampshire

2026-03-02T12:08:57+00:00

The significant social benefits of rural community-owned businesses shone through during a joint visit by Plunkett UK and Southern Co-op to Hampshire earlier this month. At a challenging time for the retail and hospitality sectors – with rising costs, staffing issues and changing consumer trends – The Boundary Shop and [...]

Social impact of community businesses on partnership visit to Hampshire2026-03-02T12:08:57+00:00

Members shape response to government consultation

2026-02-09T11:44:16+00:00

Plunkett UK has used insight from members to frame its response to an important statutory consultation launched by the UK Government on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals – which includes rural community-owned businesses. Thank you to all Plunkett members who provided such positive and constructive feedback to inform [...]

Members shape response to government consultation2026-02-09T11:44:16+00:00

Government pub support package falls short and leaves rural communities exposed

2026-01-28T12:42:43+00:00

Plunkett UK has expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement of a 15% discount on pubs’ business rates bills from April. The national charity warns that the measures are nowhere near enough to stem the crisis facing the sector – particularly for its community pub members that have already stepped in [...]

Government pub support package falls short and leaves rural communities exposed2026-01-28T12:42:43+00:00

A New Year’s Message from our Chief Executive

2026-01-13T14:08:36+00:00

Hear from our Chief Executive, James Alcock, in his New Year’s message filmed at Hampstead Norreys Community Shop. “We want to put our members at the very forefront of everything we do.” As we step into 2026, Plunkett UK’s Chief Executive, James Alcock, shares a clear message: our members sit [...]

A New Year’s Message from our Chief Executive2026-01-13T14:08:36+00:00

Tackling Deprivation in Rural Areas through Community Ownership

2026-01-07T12:51:23+00:00

Plunkett UK has shared its insights and policy suggestions to tackle deprivation in rural areas with the Labour Rural Research Group in response to its call for evidence to inform an upcoming report on rural poverty. Rural deprivation is frequently hidden within national datasets, masked by averages and low population density. [...]

Tackling Deprivation in Rural Areas through Community Ownership2026-01-07T12:51:23+00:00

Glamour meets giving at Plunkett’s Gala Auction

2025-12-04T12:10:33+00:00

Over £20,000 was raised to support Plunkett UK’s work with community-owned businesses at our Gala Dinner, held last Tuesday (25 November). Around 100 guests gathered at the elegant Royal Society of Arts House in London for a special evening raising funds to support our work in helping communities save vital [...]

Glamour meets giving at Plunkett’s Gala Auction2025-12-04T12:10:33+00:00
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