Celebrating the best of rural community ownership

From creating places where people belong to protecting vital local services and tackling loneliness, the finalists showcased the many ways community ownership is helping our rural communities to thrive – and why these businesses are about so much more than the services they provide.

People representing over 20 different community groups attended the awards on Thursday 2 July, alongside Plunkett staff, sponsors, partners and others from the co-operative and charity sector. The event was sponsored by Lands Improvement, held at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.

Ten community businesses or individuals were judged to be winners across nine categories, from a shortlist that had been whittled down from more than 80 nominations earlier this year.

The year’s winners reflected the diversity of the rural community business movement, with community-owned pubs, shops and a bookshop recognised from communities stretching from the Highlands of Scotland all the way down to Devon.

Collectively, they demonstrated the many ways community ownership is strengthening rural communities. Their impact includes helping young people and those facing barriers to employment gain skills and confidence, generating renewable energy through solar power, and creating welcoming places where people can meet, volunteer and access vital local services.

The awards also recognised Plunkett community business members at every stage of their journey – from well-established ones making a long-term difference in their communities to ambitious new ventures backed by hundreds of local shareholders.

James Alcock, Plunkett’s Chief Executive, said, “I passionately believe in community ownership and the opportunities that community-owned businesses provide people, places and the environment.

“You’ve gone through incredible battles and challenges against all the odds to set up community-owned businesses. The 98% survival rate is double that of commercial businesses, and that’s just incredible.”

Plunkett’s Chair of Trustees, Alison Jeffers, added: “Today is all about celebration. You’ve all helped develop and nurture something very special. It’s what’s building our movement and increasing the impact of community businesses right across the UK.”

Kathryn Turner, Planning Director from the headline sponsor, Lands Improvement, encouraged everyone in the room about the important part they play in society. She said, “Sometimes your shops, pubs or community facilities are the only places where people come together. They give people somewhere to come, somewhere to feel supported and, if they’re lonely, somewhere to have that human connection.”

Among the winners were the community of Kirtlington in Oxfordshire who won the ‘One to Watch’ category. They are currently building a community-owned shop for their village.

Talking after their success, committee members Raj Chandegra and Michael Shackleton said, “When the shop disappeared, something was missing from the village. Social connections became much weaker. This shop will bring back something really important to our community.”

“From day one, Plunkett guided us through every stage. The advice we received has been invaluable. There were some dark moments during the project, but Plunkett always managed to bring some light. That was really important.”

Brian Griffiths from the Auctioneer Arms in Caverswall, Staffordshire – winners of the Investing in Local People category – said, “It’s a great honour to win this award – we’re absolutely blown away. It’s taken a lot, a lot of effort, but it’s so rewarding to see the end product.

“Awards are great, but it’s really about what we deliver for the community. The pub brings friendship, jobs and volunteering opportunities.”

The Young Person’s Award had joint winners: Poppy Pinsent, 15, from Semley Village Stores (Wiltshire) and 17-year-old Roman Byron, who works at The Rose & Crown, Slaley (Northumberland).

Roman said, “Last year I was still at school. I never imagined I’d be here a year later receiving an award like this.” Poppy added, “It’s really amazing to be here as someone from a younger generation and see everything communities have achieved.”