Our friends Plunkett UK are hiring!
They are looking for a Policy Manager to lead their policy and public affairs work, ensuring rural #ComBiz have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision making.
Apply by 19 March at 5pm 👉 buff.ly/55MwHpc
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 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/
Considering starting a member owned business?
Taking a community asset or business into community ownership?
We could help - find out more here 👉 buff.ly/3WTepSl #ComBiz
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.
plunkett.co.uk/government-consultation-...
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 👇
💷 We are happy to consider loan applications from people and groups who are just about to start a new co-operative or community business
We can sometimes provide finance and help access grants and support.
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/9f8qQMr #Lending #Coops #ComBiz
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.
➡️ plunkett.co.uk/january-time-to-get-your...
🎅Are you stuck for ideas for a Secret Santa present? Our festive raffle could be the answer for you!
Enter to win a hamper containing a selection of treats kindly donated by #Combiz from across the UK! 🤩
👉Find out more: uk2.emma-live.com/plunkettgaladinner/prize...
💷 We are happy to consider loan applications from people and groups who are just about to start a new co-operative or community business
We can sometimes provide finance and help access grants and support.
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/9f8qQMr #Lending #Coops #ComBiz
Green background with the Plunkett UK logo and icons showing a community business scene In white text: 'Gala Auction, supporting rural communities across the UK'
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our online charity auction, raising vital funds to support our work with #combiz across the UK 🌟
With incredible lots up for grabs, there’s something for everyone...start bidding today!
➡️ https://uk2.emma-live.com/plunkettgaladinner
Wondering how your #ComBiz can provide access to a wider range of goods and services? 🤔
Join Plunkett UK online next week to explore the ways in which community-owned businesses can expand the services on offer to support their local communities.
Find out more here 👉 buff.ly/2zQzI4T
A graphic to promote an event In a green speech bubble is text: 'Free online event! Providing Access to a Wide Range of Services, Wed 26 Nov, 12.00 - 13.00' Then icons of a pub and shop with services icons above
💻Join our free webinar to explore how #combiz can broaden their services to better support local needs and we will discuss how to build business plans that deliver even more.
➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/providing-access-to-a-...
🗣️Our new research reveals that rural #combiz are already delivering social, economic and environmental benefits that align directly with government ambitions – yet they remain under-recognised & under-supported in doing so.
➡️Read the report: https://plunkett.co.uk/better-business-report-2025
💷 We are happy to consider loan applications from people and groups who are just about to start a new co-operative or community business
We can sometimes provide finance and help access grants and support.
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/9f8qQMr #Lending #Coops #ComBiz
Graphic promoting a climate action discussion with icons of a lightbulb, power symbol, and trees. Event date: Tuesday, 30 September.
Join us for our next SIG event, where we’ll dive into all things environmental action for #Combiz
🗣️This group discussion will be a space to share ideas & experiences - with expert speakers joining too!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/special-interest-group...
James Alcock (CEO of Plunkett) and David Lydiat (Head of External Affairs) standing outside of Number 10 Downing Street
Our CEO, James Alcock, & Head of External Affairs, David Lydiat, were in Downing Street today to meet with the Number 10 Partnerships Unit. 🤝
They had the opportunity to explain the value & impact of #Combiz that are guided by Plunkett, & discussed the Community Right to Buy legislation
Blog: Why Communications Matter for Charities Like Plunkett. A picture of Kayla who stands smiling in front of Plunkett UK office entrance.
📖Check out our latest blog by Kayla Manga, who spent a week with us at Plunkett, gaining valuable insight into the #Combiz sector & the impact of our work.
Find out more about her experience & what she learned.
➡️ plunkett.co.uk/why-communications-matte...
Green background that features the Plunkett UK logo in white and an image of David Lydiat standing outside Uley Community Shop. Text reads: 'Blog:Discovering What Local Communities Need to Thrive'
📝David Lydiat, HofEA, reflects on a visit to #Combiz across SW England - joined by our CEO, James Alcock in a meeting with Caroline Voaden MP.
They met the dedicated people who run their local businesses & learnt about their needs & successes.
https://plunkett.co.uk/what-communities-need-to-thrive/
Plunkett UK support message with icons of a handshake, person with headset, and phone, emphasising assistance and communication. A star graphic with text that says: 'We are here to help!' and the Plunkett UK logo in white in the top-right corner
Are you looking to save a local asset?
We support #Combiz across the UK - offering advice at every stage of the journey...
Our webpage explains the types of support we offer, & if you’re unsure whether we can help, there’s a eligibility chart to guide you.
👉 https://plunkett.co.uk/how-we-help/
This week, our CEO, James Alcock, & Head of External Affairs, David Lydiat, visited #Combiz across the South West, where they met @carolinevoadenmp.bsky.social, MP for South Devon, at The Kings Arms in Strete to highlight the role of #Combiz in rural communities.🤝
Cream background with the Plunkett UK green logo in the top left corner and a green speech bubble pointing at icons showcasing a community shop and tree. In the bubble is a quote by Mel, from Westbury Community Shop: “This is what sets us apart as a community business. It takes us time, but it’s so worth it. We’re helping these young people to develop their confidence and become more independent, whilst also developing skills which will hopefully help them find a job.”
Rural #Combiz are creating inclusive spaces by offering flexible jobs & training to those facing barriers to work.
✅ Builds confidence
✅ Develops skills
✅ Improves employability
Read our Impact Report to learn more: plunkett.co.uk/be-inspired-by-plunkett-...
On a gravel background is a green speech bubble with text: "Free online event: Special Interest Group - Environmental Action on Tue 30 Sep, 12.30 - 14.00" Below are icons showing a rural scene
Did you know that 96% of #Combiz took climate action last year?♻️
Join us at our Environmental Action Special Interest Group event in an exchange of ideas, experiences, & practical solutions.✅
👉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/special-interest-group...
🏊♀️ Dive into their story and discover how #ComShares helped them on their journey!
👉 buff.ly/jm3DtKz
#Coops #ComBiz #SocialInvestment #CommunityFinance #StandardMark #MemberOwned #CommunityOwned #BenCom (2/2)
"My week at Plunkett has really helped me to understand how the aims of charities are achieved and the complexities behind their work."
Hear from Patrick Marks, who reflects on his week of work experience with Plunkett, and what he learnt about the #ComBiz sector 👉 buff.ly/lJIkOte
Orange background with white text: "For every £1 spent with a community business, 56p stays in the local economy - compared with just 40p for large private sector firms" Then a green star graphic with '£1' in the middle A yellow star graphic with green text in the middle: 'Large private sector firms 40p' And a light green star with which text in the middle: 'community business 56p'
Our Impact Report highlights how rural #Combiz are making a big difference locally.
In 2024 alone, they generated an estimated £166 million in turnover!
👉 Check it out now to learn more stats, stories, and insights: plunkett.co.uk/be-inspired-by-plunkett-...
Dark green background with the Plunkett UK logo and Morrisons logo in the top right corner. A picture of a volunteer stacking shelves in a community shop. Then white text that says: "Morrisons launches delivery deal for Plunkett community business members"
Exclusive delivery deal for Plunkett members📣
Morrisons, Britain’s 5th largest supermarket, has partnered with us to offer our #Combiz members an exclusive, year-round free delivery pass.🚚
👉 Read our latest news piece to learn more: https://plunkett.co.uk/morrisons-delivery-deal/
Plunkett UK logo, illustration of a farmer with sheep, trees, and a building. Text: "500 residents in the immediate population are typically served by community-owned businesses."
#Combiz provide access to essential goods & services in rural areas.
📘According to our latest Impact Report, with data from Defra, 2 million people across the UK benefit from rural community businesses.
👉Find out more: plunkett.co.uk/be-inspired-by-plunkett-...
A graphic to promote a blog post. A green background which features the Plunkett UK logo in white in the top left corner and picture of Patrick standing outside Plunkett HQ. Text: 'Blog: A Week at Plunkett: Experiencing the Impact of Community Ownership'
Last week, we welcomed Patrick to Plunkett for work experience.
In his latest blog, he shares what he learnt & reflects on the vital role #Combiz play in strengthening rural communities across the UK.
plunkett.co.uk/a-week-at-plunkett-exper...
📽️Hear from the Winners of the ‘More Than’ Award: Titchmarsh Village Shop
We’re proud that our #Combiz members go above & beyond their usual services for their community.
Thank you to @goodfinanceuk.bsky.social who sponsored this award.
https://plunkett.co.uk/rural-community-business-awards/
