The Plunkett Foundation is the only organisation supporting rural community-owned businesses at every stage of their journey in all four UK nations. It recently released its Impact Report 2022, detailing its successes and achievements over the year and vision for the future.

Chris Cowcher, Head of Policy and Communications at the Plunkett Foundation, writes “in spite of the cost of living and energy price crises, and the lingering effects of the pandemic, our report shows that an impressive 23 new community-owned businesses opened last year. This brings the total of businesses now trading nationwide to nearly 750, which includes 413 community shops, 164 community pubs, 59 land-based businesses plus an interesting mix of bakeries, bookshops, distillery's, woodlands and farms.

The 23 businesses to open last year were impressively backed by 4,600 people who invested £3.5 million in community shares. Community shares are a democratic form of finance often used to bring assets into community control. The figures from 2022 brings the total amount raised through community shares – for all community businesses supported by Plunkett – to an incredible £48 million, from 170,000 investors. A real testament to the strength of community power.

Plunkett is proud to represent this growing movement, with more communities than ever exploring the idea of working towards opening or now running community-owned businesses. Last year we responded to enquiries from 412 different groups and provided 323 days of support to new start groups as well as established messages. We also ran training sessions that were attended by 1300 people.

The success of this sector is nurtured through the partnership and collaboration that exists between support providers, funders, corporate organisations, policy makers, researchers and community businesses themselves. Plunkett appreciates the contributions of all organisations we engaged and worked with to support the sector in 2022 and we hope that you will be interested in working with us in future.”

Full report:

Plunkett Foundation - Impact Report 2022

The Plunkett foundation is a member of the Rural Services Network. You can find out more about them at this link.