What happens when a village refuses to lose its last shop or pub?

This episode looks at how communities across the UK are creating and running businesses together for their own benefit, from village shops and pubs to farms, cafés and community hubs.

James talks to George Ogier from Plunkett UK, a national charity which empowers rural neighbourhoods to set up and run community-owned businesses, and Colin Pollock who was instrumental in setting up a community shop in Bishop Wilton in East Yorkshire.

They talk about why community ownership works, how these businesses are funded and governed, and the practical steps involved in getting a project off the ground.

You'll also hear how these ventures help keep essential services local, create jobs, reduce isolation and give people a stronger voice in shaping the places they live.

In this episode

• Why community-owned businesses have a remarkable track record, with a five-year survival rate of 98%.
• The role community businesses play in protecting local services and bringing people together.
• Examples ranging from pubs and shops to farms, distilleries and multi-purpose community hubs.
• How local supply chains and local employment strengthen rural economies.
• Practical advice on starting a community-owned shop or pub, from community consultation to funding and governance.
• What the future could look like for community ownership as rural communities face growing challenges.
• How community benefit societies work, including the principle of one member, one vote.
• The story of Plunkett UK and more than a century of supporting rural community businesses.

Resources

• Plunkett UK https://plunkett.co.uk/
• Community Benefit Societies Act 2014: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/14/contents
• Bishop Wilton Community Shop & Café: https://bwcommunityshop.co.uk/
• Plunkett UK Impact Report 2026: https://plunkett.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Plunkett-Impact-Report-2026.pdf
• Resolute Purpose: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/