Plunkett UK

10/11/2026

📢 The future of rural pubs matters.

From rising costs to changing consumer habits, pubs face significant challenges. But across the UK, community ownership is helping secure the future of local hospitality for generations to come.

We're pleased to feature in this article by Joanne-Brook Smith in Crave Magazine UK, which explores the state of the sector and highlights how community-owned pubs are making a difference. It's encouraging to see community ownership recognised as a model that not only saves pubs but creates lasting benefits for the communities they serve.

At Plunkett, we've seen first-hand how community-owned pubs can build stronger, more resilient communities. With a 98% survival rate over five years, they're proving that community ownership works.

So that's why we're continuing to call on government to recognise the value of community-owned businesses and ensure rural communities aren't left behind. Supporting community ownership means supporting local economies, safeguarding vital services and helping rural hospitality thrive. 📣

Read the full article > https://cravemag.co.uk/saving-the-british-pub/

Found out more about our advocacy work >

Advocacy Advocacy Plunkett UK works in rural areas that are often underfunded and at risk of economic and social decline. Community-owned businesses safeguard vital services, create employment and volunteering opportunities, boost local economies, and maintain public spaces that address a wide range

10/11/2026

Missed our Deposit Return Scheme webinar? Here is all you need to know.💡

Our recent webinar on the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) filled up fast, so we've created a practical guide to help community shops prepare for the changes ahead. ✅

The resource covers 👇

• How the scheme will work from 2027

• What your responsibilities as a retailer will be

• Return point and exemption options

• EPOS considerations and voucher handling

• The opportunities and challenges for rural community shops

• Practical steps you can start taking now

DRS does include some exemptions for eligible retailers, including certain rural premises, shops with access difficulties and listed buildings, but businesses must apply and register with Exchange for Change (EfC) to be considered.

🔗Click the link to watch the recording & download the free resource: https://plunkett.co.uk/essential-resources/

10/11/2026

The psychology of shopping: how can you encourage customers to buy more? 🛒

Why do customers notice some products more than others? Why does the smell of fresh bread really matter? And how can you encourage customers to do more of their regular shopping with you? 🤔

In this practical 90-minute session, we'll explore the psychology and research behind how people shop, and what this means for the way community shops use their space, stock and customer experience.

👉 Swipe through the slides to discover what you can expect.

Tuesday 17 November 📅
12:00-13:30 🕛

Thanks to funding from the Scottish National Lottery, this workshop is free to attend.

🚨Spaces are limited, so don't miss out. Book your place today > https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshopthe-psychology-of-shopping-making-the-most-of-your-community-shop-tickets-2003279754673

The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland

09/11/2026

Being inclusive, democratic and life-changing 🤝

Community-owned businesses are built on a one-member, one-vote model, giving local people a real say in shaping the future of their community. But their impact goes much further. 📈

From tackling rural isolation and hidden poverty to creating jobs and providing welcoming spaces for everyone, these businesses are changing lives every day.

At Plunkett UK, we're proud to support this impact through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, helping communities create businesses that reflect and serve everyone.

Read more in our ESG Impact Report 👇
https://plunkett.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ESG-Impact-Report-2026.pdf

09/11/2026

Wondering how your café can become a thriving community hub? 🤔

In this webinar, we will be joined by The Canvas Cafe Collective to explore how cafe spaces can become vibrant community hubs while also being good for business. Ruth will explore how opening your space to new ideas can build customer and staff loyalty, increase visibility and make better use of the space you have. ✅

Bring your ideas, ambitions, and even the challenges that currently feel impossible. You'll leave with fresh inspiration, a new perspective on your café, and exciting possibilities for what your space could become.

🕛 Wednesday 11 November, 12:00-13:00

Don't miss out this event is free for all - book your place today > https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlocking-the-potential-of-your-cafe-space-tickets-2003770487468

08/11/2026

"Without Plunkett's support, we would not be where we are today." 🌟

A huge thank you to The Locks Inn Community Pub in Geldeston, Norfolk, for supporting Plunkett UK's Save Rural Hospitality campaign and crowdfunder through their fantastic Halloween Quiz Night. 🎃

With 14 teams taking part, a well-supported raffle and generous donations from local businesses including Flint Vineyard, Fen Farm Dairy and Maiseybrook Farm, the event brought people together for an evening of fun, food and fundraising.

Has your community business benefited from Plunkett's support? Why not help us support the next one? 👀

Whether it's a quiz night, raffle, or a festive fundraiser, your support helps Plunkett work with communities across the UK to save businesses at the heart of rural life.

If you'd like to organise a fundraiser for Plunkett, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Contact [email protected] to discuss your ideas. 💭

Or you can support our crowdfunder directly here > https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saveruralhospitality

06/11/2026

How a community saved more than a pub.🍺

Our latest case study shares the inspiring story of The Great Bromley Cross in Essex. With support from Plunkett and the determination of local people, this much-loved venue has been transformed into a thriving community hub that brings people together and supports local wellbeing. 🌟

Read the full story and watch the video to learn how its Wednesday morning café has become a valued community gathering place. 📽️

🔗 https://plunkett.co.uk/how-the-great-bromley-cross-became-a-village-lifeline/



Great Bromley Cross Pub

06/11/2026

How do you make sure your website, Google listing and social media are encouraging people to choose your shop? 🤔

Join us for this practical 90-minute webinar exploring how community-owned shops can create a simple, effective marketing approach without a big budget or dedicated marketing team.

We'll cover:

• Making the most of your website and social media channels 📱

• Using your Google Business Profile to attract customers 🌐

• Encouraging reviews and making offline marketing work harder 🗣️

• Prioritising the activities that will have the biggest impact ✅

This event is free for all Plunkett UK members and Scottish community groups, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland. Non-member tickets are available for £18.

Thursday 19 November 📅
12.00pm to 1.30pm 🕛

Book your place today > https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-your-community-shop-tickets-2003285621220



Canvas Consultancy | The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland |

05/11/2026

A stronger movement 📈

At the heart of Plunkett UK's five-year strategy is our ambition to build a stronger community movement: one that is more visible, united and influential.

We believe thriving, inclusive and resilient rural communities are created when people come together through community ownership. That's why we're committed to strengthening connections across our network and amplifying the collective voice of community businesses.

So how will we do it?

Connect – Build stronger relationships through meaningful engagement and an enhanced membership offer. 🤝

Champion – Raise the profile of community ownership through powerful storytelling and a shared national identity. 📣

Represent – Amplify the voices of rural community businesses with government, funders and decision-makers. 🗣️

Read our strategy to find out more 👉https://plunkett.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Plunkett-Strategy-2026-31.pdf

05/11/2026

Looking to attract more volunteers and build a stronger team at your community business? 🤔

Join this interactive online workshop to learn how to identify your organisation's volunteer needs, create clear and appealing volunteer roles, and make your recruitment process more inclusive and effective. ✅

This event is free for all Plunkett UK members and £18 for non-members.

Monday 16 November 📅
12.30pm – 3.00pm 🕧

Find out more and book your place > https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recruiting-volunteers-a-practical-online-workshop-tickets-2003595259356