David Lydiat, Head of External Affairs, reflects on a recent visit to community businesses in South West England, including a meeting with Caroline Voaden MP at a thriving community pub in Strete
To better understand the vital role of community businesses – and the support they need – I was pleased to have an early opportunity to visit some that Plunkett represents in rural Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Devon. Joined by Plunkett’s Chief Executive, James Alcock, the two-day trip covered 465 miles and included warm welcomes at Amberley Shop and Café, Uley Community Shop, Brent Knoll Community Shop, Spaxton Community Shop, Pavilion Stores and Café, The Burrow Shop and Café in Exbourne, and The Kings Arms Community Pub in Strete.
Each community business received copies of Plunkett’s Future of Rural Retail Report which provides analysis and solutions for innovating as well as details on Plunkett’s new supplier agreements and benefits.
Visiting gave us the chance to speak to the dedicated volunteers and committee members who own and run their local businesses for the benefit of their community. Clear themes emerged from all of the visits: without these community-owned businesses, the rural and remote villages would not have direct access to the products and services on offer, nor might the localised economy and its supply chain exist.
David Lydiat outside Uley Community Shop
However, there’s more to it than just economic benefit – important as that is. It also brings significant social value: a shared space for the community, a meaningful cause for volunteers, a source of local pride, opportunities for young people to gain work experience (DofE), a way to tackle loneliness, and a workplace where people with disabilities can contribute and feel included.
There are existing challenges; the hard work of buying a local asset and forming a community- owned business is not the end of the journey, but the beginning. Managing and engaging volunteers is a key skill and something Plunkett can help with, understanding stock-taking and supplies that a community needs and ordering from approved suppliers is another benefit that Plunkett offers.
The cost of doing business is also very challenging right now, and community-owned businesses are no exception. Being a member of Plunkett means that you are part of a network of community businesses spanning the whole country.
Our charity can connect you with others who have similar experience and:
At Paracombe Community Shop, James Alcock, shares the Future of Rural Retail Report with a volunteer, highlighting Plunkett’s ongoing support for rural community-owned shops
Caroline Voaden MP, with David Lydiat, James Alcock, and representatives from The Kings Arms in Strete
Furthermore, Plunkett is a strong voice for our members, representing them when engaging with policymakers whose decisions around funding support, right to buy legislation, taxation, investment and local planning approvals, for example, could be crucial.
We were delighted that Caroline Voaden MP joined us for an extended discussion with the Kings Arms in Strete, to speak with the volunteers about their story, experiences and challenges that they are facing. Plunkett has also been able to offer the Kings Arms support and guidance. The character of the pub, and the sea views is hard-pressed to be beaten, and the food was impressive too. Clearly the committee and volunteers care deeply about their village – as did all of those that James and I met.
If you are reading this, I would encourage you to visit your local community-owned business, or when you are travelling to drop in. Your custom and support will go a long way and helps the wider movement of community businesses to flourish.
Photos from the tour…
Join our movement: Become a member today
Membership is at the heart of everything we do. With around 500 community business members in our network, Plunkett is empowered to champion community ownership and represent the interests of rural communities across the UK.
Our members make it possible for us to advocate effectively to the media, funders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
Join us – be part of a growing movement.
