This is the story of Huby & Sutton Community Shop; a volunteer-run hub at the heart of its village, now honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“We think about how we can keep it local in everything we do.” Finalists at the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards
These words from the community of Huby perfectly capture the spirit behind their two-year mission to opening Huby & Sutton Community Shop. From the very beginning, local initiatives and people of all ages have been at the heart of their vision.
At Plunkett UK, we are proud to have supported the group throughout this journey. As part of our strong network of community business members, their success is especially meaningful; their collective efforts have been recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest honour given to local community groups in the UK, and it is awarded for life.
This award has long shone a spotlight on the incredible work of voluntary organisations across the country. As a community shop, Huby & Sutton is a deserving winner, demonstrating the social impact that community-owned businesses can deliver.
Mrs New opening the shop
Originally based in a small, rented premises, the opportunity arose to move to a larger site. The Parish Council stepped in, purchasing an empty shop and adjoining house, and leasing both to the Community Benefit Society formed to run the shop.
Through a combination of fundraising and grants from district and local councils, £250,000 was raised to transform the site into a shop, storage space, and maisonette. Local tradespeople – many from within a 17-mile radius – carried out the work, ensuring the investment stayed close to home.
In planning, the committee made a conscious choice: the maisonette would be rented to a local resident rather than used as a holiday let. While the latter might have generated more income, the decision reflected their values. Today, the tenant enjoys affordable accommodation and the chance to work locally.
After two years of hard work, community engagement, and support from Plunkett UK, the new shop was proudly opened by Mrs New, their oldest customer at 100 years old.
More than 50 volunteers are integral to the business, not just from the day-to-day running but also in planning for the future. Volunteers attend quarterly get-togethers, and the committee leans on that experience when considering things like the shop layout and new stock items.
From the younger end of the age scale, students tackling the Duke of Edinburgh award can help in the shop as part of the programme’s community service element. The shop helps in other ways too – with limited local employment opportunities for young people, they have committed to offering paid work for under-18s, and since 2015, 20 individuals have gained valuable employment experience.
Community-owned businesses exist not only to provide services but to enrich the lives of local people. Huby & Sutton Community Shop embodies this mission, and the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a fitting testament to their remarkable achievements.
Hanifa, the first volunteer in the new shop
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To learn more about the impact delivered by businesses like Huby and Sutton Community shop, download our 2025 Impact Report. If you have any questions about this case study or Plunkett UK’s work, please email info@plunkett.co.uk or call 01993 630022.
