There is little doubt that, like most people, businesses face incredibly difficult times ahead and rural, community-owned businesses are no different. However, the most recent research conducted by the Plunkett Foundation identifies just how resilient community businesses have been and how the charity will continue to support these not-for-profit businesses that provide essential services to their local communities.

Plunkett Foundation’s annual research, the Better Form of Business reports, examines the growth and success of community pubs and shops across the UK. This year’s reports reveal an increase in the number of community-owned businesses and that, despite the extremely difficult trading conditions of the last two years, the courage of rural communities and a growing movement of grassroots campaigners continues to create growth where commercial companies fail.

The reports identify that 15 new community-owned pubs opened to take the total number to 146 and 12 new community shops opened bringing the total to 407 community shops by the end of 2021.

Amongst a backdrop of pub, retail and high street closures the new openings reveal a phenomenal success. In the last 20 years communities have taken control of the businesses that are most important to them and have increased these from just 95 in 2002 to 800 in 2022.  

James Alcock, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation, explained: 

“Through sheer determination communities are joining together to safeguard pubs, shops and other businesses to ensure that they continue to serve everyone in their community, especially those most in need. We’re incredibly proud to support communities from the initial spark of an idea to trading and then helping them, and their rural communities, to thrive in the long term.”  

Whilst the cost of living and energy crisis provides new challenges the Plunkett Foundation continues to offer communities expert business advice and support and is committed to growing their numbers by a further 20% in the next five years.

James continues: 

“These communities are fighting to save village life and are courageously taking collective responsibility for their future.”

Plunkett has supported nearly 800 community businesses to set-up UK-wide and is working with a further 500 groups currently seeking to establish community-owned businesses - they not only support their local communities but play a key role in rural and national prosperity.

The Better Business reports were launched at a House of Lords reception, hosted by Baroness Natalie Bennett and supported by Hastoe Housing Association.

Anne Perkins, Board Member at Hastoe Housing Association, said: 

“While Plunkett helps sustain rural communities by supporting community businesses, Hastoe helps sustain rural communities by building affordable homes for rent and shared ownership in perpetuity.

“Without doubt, community businesses play a vital role in supporting rural populations. They are not just the suppliers of goods and services but a hub where communities come together to take part in activities. They’re places that provide employment and volunteering opportunities; where people can both give and get support. With the ever-increasing cost of living, community businesses will continue to provide a lifeline for those people who are most in need. Now, more than ever, rural communities and community businesses need our support.”

The full research findings are published in The Better form of Business reports produced by the Plunkett Foundation and funded by Power to Change.

For further information visit: www.plunkett.co.uk

Interior and exterior of Kirkoswald Community Shop, Kirkoswald, Cumbria

The Plough, Longparish, Hampshire – the local choir rehearsing

Ty’n Llan community-owned pub, North Wales – walking group and pub garden