Plunkett UK

Graphic to promote a news piece Atop a green background is the Plunkett UK in white and text below that says: 'News: The role of rural in devolution discussed in Parliament' A picture of a sign saying 'Tafarn y Fic and countryside in the background'

Gordon Hector, Trustee of Plunkett, gave evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business & the Rural Powerhouse on Tuesday for their inquiry: ‘How does rural fit into the devolution agenda?’

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/the-role-of-rural-in-devolution-discussed-in-parliament/

A graphic to promote a blog Atop a green background is the Plunkett UK logo in white and below is text: 'Blog: Community-Washing and the Lessobs from Brewdog' Features a photo of a red neon sign saying BREWDOG

Community-Washing & the Lessons from BrewDog

In this blog, Alex Begg, a Trustee at Plunkett UK, reflects on the demise of the multinational brewery & pub chain – & explains why community ownership matters more than ever. 🌟

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/community-washing-and-the-lessons-from-brewdog/

@plunkettuk.bsky.social are key delivery partner of the Scottish Rural Network.

They host and deliver the Scottish Rural and Island Community Pub Network. Funded by SRN, the initiative supports community organisations seeking to develop or take ownership of a local pub within their own community.

Red background featuring a picture of a group of people stood outside a pub The Plunkett UK logo features in white and text below: 'E-news, February 26'

February’s update from Plunkett UK. 🗞️

This month, our focus has been on championing rural hospitality - highlighting the challenges these businesses face while showcasing the effectiveness and impact of community ownership. 

➡️ https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-february26-10597099

Graphic to promote a Plunkett UK vacancy Plunkett UK logo in white Below is text: 'We're Hiring: Policy Manager' A set of icons displaying a rural scenes below

We’re hiring! 📣

We are looking for a Policy Manager to lead our policy & public affairs work, ensuring rural #combiz have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision making.

Find out more about the role and how to apply > https://plunkett.co.uk/job-vacancy-policy-manager/

A graphic to promote a news piece that features the Southern Co-op and Plunkett UK logos in the top right corner Below is green text: "Social impact of community businesses on partnership visit to Hampshire"

The significant social benefits of rural community businesses shone through during a joint visit by Plunkett UK and Southern Co-op to Hampshire earlier this month. 🤝

Discover more about the visits in our latest news piece 👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/social-impact-community-businesses-in-hampshire/

A green background with white text: 'Blog: Reversing rural decline through community ownership' Then a picture of the community standing outside Titchmarsh Village Shop

Our latest blog explores the growing impact of #combiz in protecting vital local services. 🌟

Drawing on insights from both our Impact Report & #FORR, we highlight how community businesses safeguard access to services by being “more than”.
 
https://plunkett.co.uk/reversing-rural-decline/

If you have not done so already, we strongly encourage you to respond directly to the Government’s call for evidence with your own experiences, evidence, and recommendations.

Submit your response by midnight tomorrow (18 February) 👇

www.gov.uk/government/c...

A graphic to promote a blog Atop a green background is the Plunkett UK logo in white, below is text: 'Blog: How a community saved its pub and restored its social anchor' Below the text is an icon of a community pub Next to the text is a picture of a group of diverse people outside of the Kenmuir Arms

How a community saved its pub and restored its social anchor 🙌

In his final edition of his Scottish Comms tour, Communications Officer, Michael Wolverson, tells the story of the award-winning Kenmuir Arms.

Read more ➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/how-a-community-restored-its-social-anchor/

A speech icon containing a quote which says: "While Plunkett welcomes any investment in community empowerment, we remain disappointed that rural communities continue to be overlooked." Pointing at a picture of James Alcock, Chief Executive of Plunkett UK

More is needed for rural areas 📣

Last week, the PM announced an additional £800 million for the Pride in Place programme

"While we welcome investment in community needs, we remain disappointed that rural areas continue to be overlooked." - James Alcock, Chief Executive, Plunkett UK. 🗣️

Green background that features the Plunkett UK logo in the top right corner Below on the right is a picture of a community conversing outside a community pub On the left is text: 'News: Members shape response to government consultation'

Members shape response to government consultation 🗣️

Our updated policy paper sets out what rural community businesses need to grow. 📈

Have your say by 18 Feb. Read more & our full response below. 👇

https://plunkett.co.uk/members-shape-response-to-government-consultation/

Government pub support package falls short and leaves rural communities exposed Plunkett UK has expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement of a 15% discount on pubs’ business rates bills from April.

Community-owned pubs are keeping rural places alive – but @plunkettuk.bsky.social warns the government’s new business rates discount won’t address the pressures they face. Plunkett is calling for more ambitious, long-term support for community ownership.

➡️ plunkett.co.uk/government-p...

Time to have your say! 🗣️

We are encouraging members to respond to a new UK Government consultation on business support for co-operatives - including rural #combiz

Respond by Wednesday 18 February 2026.

 https://plunkett.co.uk/government-consultation-co-operative-business-support/

A large group of people stand happily outside The Punch Bowl pub, now a community-owned establishment, with Plunkett UK E-News January 26 branding on the side.

Our first newsletter of 2026…🗞️

With January finally behind us, we hope the year has begun positively and productively for you. It’s certainly been a busy start here at Plunkett UK.

Catch up on all the latest news from January ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/plunkett.co.uk/e-newsletter-january26

A graphic to promote a blog Atop a green background is an image of two women talking in a cafe The graphic also features the Plunkett UK logo in white and text that says: 'Blog: Restoring a sense of connection'

Restoring a sense of connection 🌟

After more than 2 years without a village shop, the people of Downderry have brought it back to life.

Check out our latest blog to see how they came together to open the shop, with support from Plunkett. 🤝

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/restoring-a-sense-of-connection/

Graphic of a quote pointing of a picture of James Alcock, Chief Executive of Plunkett UK Quote says: “Fifteen per cent discounts might make a headline, but it won’t save the pubs that are already on the brink. Community‑owned pubs have been rescued once by local people – they shouldn’t be left to fight for survival all over again.”

Government support package leaves rural communities exposed

Plunkett has expressed disappointment following the government’s announcement of a 15% business rates discount for pubs from April.

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/government-pub-support-package-falls-short-and-leaves-rural-communities-exposed/

CWR Breakfast with Phil Upton - JD sits in (12/01/2026) - BBC Sounds Waking you up with a smile, local news, your stories and the music you love.

Paul Jennings from The Fox at Loxley featured on BBC CWR to discuss the challenges on pubs. 📻

Paul points to our Better Business report, saying it “contains what can be done to make sure we keep the heart of rural life alive.”

Scroll to 1hr 22mins

In a white speech icon is green text that says: "Our submission draws on evidence from over 850 community businesses, and demonstrates how Plunkett and its growing network of rural community businesses can contribute to key Government priorities. "We would welcome the opportunity to engage with further on proposals and support the development of more effective, rural-proofed policy solutions.” Points at a picture of James Alcock CEO of Plunkett UK

Recently, we submitted our policy recommendations on tackling rural deprivation to the Labour Rural Research Group FOR its call for evidence for an upcoming report on rural poverty.

Read the full response: https://plunkett.co.uk/tackling-deprivation-in-rural-areas-through-community-ownership/

Government consultation: co-operative business support Plunkett is encouraging members to respond to a UK Government consultation on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals.

Help shape future support for the #Combiz sector 📈

We are encouraging members to respond to a new UK Government consultation on business support for co-operatives - including rural #combiz

Find out more 👇

Graphic to promote a blog with the Plunkett UK logo in partnership with Good Finance UK Graphic features a picture of a large group of people standing outside The Punch Bowl Inn with a sign saying 'now community owned' Also features green text: 'Blog: Securing a pub’s future: Lessons from The Punch Bowl Inn'

In our latest blog, created in partnership with @goodfinanceuk.bsky.social, Andrew Dubock, Plunkett’s Communications Manager, shares how one North Yorkshire village brought their idea of a community pub to reality. 

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/securing-a-pubs-future-lessons-from-the-punch-bowl-inn/

📽️Hear from Sarah Benn, Membership Manager at Plunkett UK, inviting all community shops and retailers across the South West to The Big South West Meet Up.

➡️Reserve your space: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-south-west-meet-up-tickets-1978593989886

Pub-saving superheroes! 🤩🍻

@camraofficial.bsky.social have recently announced their 2025 Pub Saving Awards, and we’re thrilled to see several Plunkett supported groups recognised. 

👉Find out more: https://wb.camra.org.uk/2026/01/14/pub-saving-superheroes-in-the-spotlight

A cream background which features a dark green calendar icon containing white text: 'In-person event! The Big South West Meet-Up, Thu 5 Feb, 10.00-14.00; Below is an icon of a shop with a speech bubble with text: 'Limited Spaces Available!' Then to the right of the graphic is a circular picture of Powderham Castle with a speech icon above with text: 'Set at Powderham Castle near Exeter'

Running a community shop in the South West? 

This half day event could shape your future. 📈

🗓️The Big South West Meet Up - 5 Feb at Powderham Castle. 

🚨Spaces are limited…so don’t miss out.🚨

➡️Book your place today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-south-west-meet-up-tickets-1978593989886

Green background featuring a speech bubble with text: “2026 marks a new chapter for Plunkett, one where every service we design, every piece of policy work we undertake, and every decision we make will be shaped directly by what our members are asking.” The speech icon is pointing at a picture of James Alcock, Chief Executive of Plunkett UK

👀If you haven’t yet seen it, take a moment to watch our Chief Executive James Alcock’s New Year message, filmed at long‑standing Plunkett member Hampstead Norreys Community Shop in Berkshire.

🔗 https://plunkett.co.uk/new-year-message-from-our-ceo/

January: The Perfect Time to Get Your Business Organised 📈

💡In our first blog of 2026, Community Business Manager, Alison Macklin, offers insights on what your #combiz should prioritise as we enter the new year.

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/january-time-to-get-your-business-organised/

Green background with white text in the top left corner that says: 'Is your community group suitable to receive support from Plunkett UK?' Below are icons showing a rural scene To the right is a picture of one of our advisers addressing a group of people sat at white tables.

Is our support suitable for your community group? 🤔

🔗Use the link below to access our flowchart, which guides you through a series of questions to help you understand whether our services match your needs. 

➡️ https://plunkett.co.uk/signposting/

Tackling Deprivation in Rural Areas through Community Ownership Plunkett UK has shared its insights and policy suggestions to tackle deprivation in rural areas with the Labour Rural Research Group in response to its call for evidence to inform an upcoming report on rural poverty.

Plunkett UK has shared its insights & policy suggestions to tackle deprivation in rural areas with the Labour Rural Research Group in response to its call for evidence to inform an upcoming report.

Green background with white Plunkett logo and text: Blog: A great big thank you to our partners! Photo of members of the Webmart team standing outside the front entrance of The Abingdon Arms in Beckley, along with a member of the pub's committee.

As we bid farewell to 2025, Plunkett UK says a great big thank you to all the corporate partners who have supported our work with community businesses over the year. 🌟

👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/big-thank-you-partners/

A large group of people of all ages standing outside the whitewash brick walls on The Punch Bowl Inn, Burton in Lonsdale. Many are raising a glass. The sign on the building says 'Now community owned'.

You’re a community that's passionate to save & run your village pub – but how do you find funding to turn vision into reality?

👉 https://www.goodfinance.org.uk/latest/post/securing-pubs-future-lessons-punch-bowl-inn?utm_source=plunkettuk_bluesky&utm_medium=organic_social

@goodfinanceuk.bsky.social

Green background with the Plunkett UK logo in white Belo is a photo of volunteers smiling wearing black and white striped aprons Text reads: 'Blog: Inside The Ploughman Restoring the Heart of the Community'

Inside The Ploughman: Restoring the heart of the community. ❤️

Discover the story of how locals came together to save a 200-year-old pub in a once ‘forgotten part of Scotland.’ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/restoring-the-heart-of-a-community/

@democraticfinance.bsky.social