How we help

We provide practical advice, business support and training to help communities establish and run innovative and inclusive community businesses that make a positive impact for local people.

A community business is any type of business that trades for community benefit and is democratically owned and controlled by the local community.

Plunkett supports community businesses across the UK, providing business advice to all types of community business, at all stages of their journey – from the initial idea, to long after the business is open and trading.

Groups and organisations seeking support from Plunkett can access:

Helpline support (Monday – Friday) on +44 (0)1993 630022
Funded one-to-one support from Plunkett advisers on setting up and running community businesses, including:
- - Community engagement and consultation
  - Governance and legal structures
  - Business and financial planning
  - Committee roles and responsibilities
  - Recruiting and retaining volunteers
  - Fundraising, including Community Shares and support with grant funding applications
  - Operations – with a particular specialism in community shops and pubs
Advice and guidance relating to legal structures including assistance with establishing a Community Benefit Society with Plunkett Foundation Model Rules
Access to small/large scale learning & information events
Online and face-to-face events, training and networking opportunities
Resources and templates
Enhanced support – including an annual business healthcheck – for Plunkett Community Business members

If you are considering setting up a community-owned business, or are involved in an established community business but need advice, please contact us to see how we can help.

For those groups ineligible for funded support we offer a range of ‘paid for’ consultancy services with discounts for members. If you need to cover the costs of our business advice within a funding proposal we can help. To find out more please contact info@plunkett.co.uk

Current programmes

Essential resources