Facing the Future: Together – Slides and Resources

On this page you’ll find the presentation slides and further reading to help your community business.

On Thursday 6 July 2023, representatives from across the community businesses sector came together in Birmingham for our one-day conference, Facing the Future: Together.

Continuing the spirit of sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences, we have published links to the presentation slides and further reading from each of the conference sessions below.

Remember that community business members can access best practice 365 days a year on our Member Hub. The exclusive online platform includes a library of more than 150 guides and video recordings, a busy programme of Training Hub webinars and in-person study visits (autumn dates coming soon), plus our directory of recommended suppliers and access to enhanced business support.

delegates share ideas in a workshop session

Click the session title to reveal the links to presentation slides and further reading…

Facilitator: David Alcock, Anthony Collins
(view facilitator profile)

Understand the key roles and responsibilities for committee members; the importance of using your governing documents and code of conduct; and how to overcome common problems.

Facilitator: Alison Macklin, Plunkett Foundation
(view facilitator profile)

Understand how to recruit and attract a diverse range of volunteers, and keep them engaged. Learn how to plan for succession.

Facilitator: Georgina Edwards, Plunkett Foundation
(view facilitator profile)

What do you think politicians should do to support the sector? Help shape Plunkett’s policy and advocacy priorities ahead of the next general election.

Facilitator: Ishita Ranjan, Good Finance
(view facilitator profile)

How to measure and report your social impact so that you can confidently tell your story to attract funding, social investment, volunteers and customers.

Panellists: Claire Spendley, Plunkett Foundation (Chair); Whoosh Raza, NCVO; Imandeep Kaur, CIVIC SQUARE; Tilly Goodwin, The Auctioneers Arms, Caverswall; Richard Allen, The Swan Clewer CIC and The Green Room Foundation (view speaker profiles)

During this session, the panellists considered how community businesses can create innovative, inclusive and impactful spaces for local people.

Further reading:

Speaker: James Lowman, Association of Convenience Stores
(view speaker profile)

The current trends, challenges and opportunities for community businesses operating in the retail sector.

Facilitators: Chris Buckham, Adviser for Plunkett Foundation; Tim Coomer, Co-operative and Community Finance (view facilitator profiles)

Learn how to: raise the funds to get your project off the ground or to expand and diversify; how and when to run a second share offer; understand the benefits of social investment and community shares.

Facilitators: Charlotte Foster Adviser for Plunkett Foundation; Laura Olver, Appleton Community Shop and Plunkett Foundation (view facilitator profiles)

Explore the ways to remain viable in challenging times. We’ll look at profit margins, reducing your overheads and diversifying your income.

Facilitator: David Miskin, Adviser for Plunkett Foundation
(view facilitator profile)

Find out how to write a successful application and hear first-hand from a community business that has purchased their asset with a COF grant.

Facilitator: Alan Collard, Adviser for Plunkett Foundation
(view facilitator profile)

Understand how to manage your income and profits when you’re operating successfully – including share withdrawal, paying interest on share capital and setting up charitable funds.

Panellists: Helen Aldis, Chief Executive of Moor Trees and Plunkett Foundation Trustee (Chair); Graham Duxbury, Groundwork UK; Janine Michael, Centre for Sustainable Energy; Josie Cadwallader-Hughes, Thakeham; Sam Ross, Farmborough Community Shop (view speaker profiles)

This panel session explored how community businesses can make a positive impact in the midst of a climate emergency, both by improving their own operations and by encouraging their communities to take climate action.

Further reading:

Community business members have the complete library of Plunkett resources and webinar recordings on the Member Hub.

recommended suppliers give a warm welcome in the conference marketplace

Marketplace exhibitors

Our recommended supplier directory signposts community business members to 37 organisations that provide specialist products and services that can save time and money, and help their business to run more efficiently and effectively.

Each supplier is selected following a process of research and recommendation from other community businesses, advisers, and partners. We work hard to build meaningful relationships with all of our suppliers, who in turn support Plunkett and the sector as supporter members.

Click here to explore the suppliers that exhibited in the conference marketplace

Some photos from the conference:

delegates share ideas in a workshop session
conference main auditorium
conference delegates laugh together
delegates laugh over coffee

Our sincere thanks to our sponsor Bestway Wholesale for supporting the Community Business Conference.

Continue the conversations on social media #ComBizTogether