Plunkett UK is delighted to launch the Community-owned Business Buddy Scheme, a new initiative designed to connect community-owned shops, pubs and cafés with experienced co-operative retailers.
Having launched on 16 September 2026, the Buddy Scheme will formally link community businesses with nearby co-operative retail managers, creating opportunities to share expertise, develop new ideas and strengthen businesses for the benefit of the communities they serve.
The first business buddy is Becci Britland, Retail Store Manager at Bakewell Store and Board Member at OurCoop. Drawing on her extensive experience in the retail sector, Becci will work alongside community-owned businesses to share practical insights, support business growth and encourage peer-to-peer learning.
Hannah Barrett, Partnerships Manager at Plunkett UK, said:
“We are delighted that the wonderful Becci Britland from Bakewell Store is our first business buddy. The scheme is about much more than knowledge exchange. It is about helping both businesses grow, increase sales and better meet the needs of the communities they serve. Becci brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and practical expertise, making her the perfect person to help launch this exciting new initiative.”
Update: we have had two successful applicants!
Watch the video to find out more about Becci
Getting to know Becci
Becci Britland brings more than 20 years of experience in the co-operative retail sector and is currently Store Manager at Bakewell Co-op. Alongside managing the store, Becci also serves as a colleague-elected Board Director, helping to shape the future of the organisation while ensuring colleagues’ voices are represented at board level.
Becci is particularly passionate about the role co-operatives play in supporting local communities. As a member of both the Northern and Yorkshire Community Councils, she works with schools, care homes and community groups to deliver initiatives ranging from healthy eating sessions to Fairtrade education, helping to bring people together and strengthen local connections.
Speaking about the opportunity, Becci said:
“What I’m really hoping to get out of the Buddy Scheme is a true collaboration of ideas, sharing knowledge, leadership skills and those little hints and tips that make a difference. I’m excited to learn from a community-owned shop as much as I can share my own experience, and I can’t wait to take new ideas back to Bakewell Store and my team. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other and share great practice.”
Cooperation among co-operatives
This scheme demonstrates the co-operative principle of “co-operation among co-operatives” in action. OurCoop, formed through the merger of Central Co-op and Midcounties Co-op in January 2026, is a member of the Co-operative Retail Society Network (CRSN), a unique collaboration between Plunkett UK and a growing number of co-operative retail societies.
The partnership aims to grow the size and impact of the rural community-owned business sector and help the co-operative model flourish. Members of the CRSN provide funding, share co-operative and retail expertise, work together to raise the profile of community businesses and explore innovative ways to support the sector.
The new Buddy Scheme has been inspired by a previous buddying agreement between Midcounties Co-op (now OurCoop) and Appleton Community Shop in Oxfordshire.
“During the re-vamp of Appleton Community Shop, the advice and practical support from the brilliant team at our local MidCounties Coop was invaluable. We were so grateful for their generous input of retail expertise and insights, their constructive challenging of our planned changes, and their skills with a paintbrush!”
Laura, Volunteer at Appleton Community Shop
Buddy Scheme Update
We are delighted to announce that two new buddy partnerships have now been agreed.
Thank you to everyone who applied to take part in the scheme. We are pleased to share that Becci Britland will be buddying with two of our community-owned shop members: Trawden Forest Community Shop and Winster Village Shop.
Through the scheme, Becci will share knowledge, experience and practical insights to support both businesses as they continue to serve their communities.
Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on their buddying journeys and the impact of the scheme.
