The National Community Business Conference 2024 takes place on Thursday 23 October 2024 from 9.30am – 4pm at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, a community-owned venue on London’s South Bank.

The day promises to deliver the very best insights and practical advice for community businesses, no matter their stage of trading. It includes key industry figures on expert panels, and inspirational community business voices in every session. The conference’s programme has a variety of themes including:

• local and ethical sourcing
• volunteering, training and employment
• financing for growth and impact
• tackling climate change, and
• community engagement.

There will also be plenty of time given to networking, ideas sharing and peer learning, plus a marketplace featuring a range of community business suppliers.

The interest in the community business model continues to grow. During 2023 the number of rural community-owned businesses increased by 4% to nearly 800, including 419 community shops and 176 community pubs. Numbers have doubled in number over the last decade.

James Alcock, Plunkett UK’s CEO, says: “It’s always a joy to bring community businesses together to learn from each other and share experiences. We are passionate about supporting our movement of community-owned businesses to have the greatest impact they can in their local areas and to see more and more resilient, thriving and inclusive communities across the UK. This conference will allow us to come together to provide valuable advice and expertise, inspire and encourage people, and allow rich conversations and connections to be made.”

Among the confirmed speakers are Matt Hyde, CEO of The Scouts and Co-Founder of The Big Help Out, plus representatives from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the FCA, Suma Wholefoods, Charity Bank, Thakeham and Power to Change.

The conference’s headline sponsor is Webmart, a sustainable marketing agency and certified B Corp. Other workshop sponsors include Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, Charity Bank, Suma Wholefoods and Utility Aid.

Conference tickets are priced at £75 + VAT for Plunkett Members and £125 + VAT for General Admission. For more details and to book your ticket, go to https://plunkett.co.uk/conference

Following the conference, at the same venue from 5-7pm, Plunkett hosts the celebratory Rural Community Business Awards.

This annual ceremony recognises outstanding achievements of community-owned businesses and the dedicated and inspiring individuals who make them happen. There are seven categories of award: Connecting the Community, Investing in Local People, Going Green, Keeping it Local, ‘More Than’, One to Watch, Community Contribution, Young Person.

Nominations are now open, and close on 19 August. For more details and to nominate, go to https://plunkett.co.uk/rural-community-business-awards/