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Targeted funding supports communities across Scotland to take control of local pubs

2026-05-12T15:32:03+00:00

As rising costs and the loss of local services continue to challenge rural and island Scotland, communities are finding practical ways to protect the places that matter most. Plunkett UK has secured a further year of funding from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Rural Network, enabling us to continue supporting rural [...]

Targeted funding supports communities across Scotland to take control of local pubs2026-05-12T15:32:03+00:00

Job vacancy: Placemaking Account Manager

2026-05-07T08:50:00+00:00

We are looking for a Placemaking Account Manager to support the successful delivery of Plunkett UK’s placemaking work, and actively help shape the community infrastructure and services from new developments. Role: Placemaking Account Manager Reporting to: Deputy CEO (Dotted line to Placemaking Manager) Line Reports: n/a Salary Band: £28,000 [...]

Job vacancy: Placemaking Account Manager2026-05-07T08:50:00+00:00

“None of the 300 Communities Are Here”: Cornwall Calls Out Government Over Missed Support

2026-03-26T17:03:46+00:00

Plunkett UK and local campaigners in Cornwall called on the government to provide even stronger support for rural communities during an event at The Eden Project today. Speaking at Anthropy 2026’s session, “How to build happier, healthier and wealthier places”, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry [...]

“None of the 300 Communities Are Here”: Cornwall Calls Out Government Over Missed Support2026-03-26T17:03:46+00:00

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

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
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