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/

James sits down with Matty Lewis, a social entrepreneur and founder of Menfulness, to explore how mindfulness, community, and purpose-driven leadership can create meaningful impact.

Focused on tackling the stark realities of men’s mental health, Matty shares his personal journey into social entrepreneurship and how a grassroots idea has grown into a powerful movement across Yorkshire. From creating safe spaces for conversation for men to championing positive masculinity, this is a story of action, empathy, and community at its core.

The conversation also highlights how businesses can play a role in driving change, from innovative approaches to CSR through the Fortus Foundation, to initiatives like Go Give One, which make supporting local causes more accessible and impactful.

This episode is about breaking stigma, building connection, and proving that small, consistent actions can lead to life-changing outcomes.

In this episode, we explore:

• The reality of men’s mental health and why it matters now more than ever

• Matty’s journey and the growth of Menfulness across Yorkshire

• The importance of safe spaces and community-led support

• How the Fortus Foundation is rethinking charitable giving

• Real stories of change from mental health support to speech therapy initiatives

This is a powerful and hopeful conversation about purpose, people, and the role we all play in creating positive change.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing Matty Lewis and the focus on men's mental health

02:00 - Personal motivation behind improvement efforts in Yorkshire

03:24 - The evolution of Menfulness and its community impact

06:05 - Why North Yorkshire is critical for mental health initiatives

08:06 - The role of endorsements in expanding reach

10:42 - The importance of feedback and recharging in mental health work

12:40 - Diversified programs for different demographics and age groups

15:45 - Impact storytelling and influence of policy discussions

18:58 - Evidence of success: declining suicide rates in York

20:24 - Recognizing warning signs and how to approach loved ones

22:07 - Breaking the stigma around mental health through community support

25:46 - The influence of mindfulness on athletes and positive masculinity

28:00 - Leadership examples promoting open conversations about struggles

30:27 - The origin story of the Fortus Foundation and how it supports local charities

32:52 - Simplifying grant application processes and storytelling impact

36:03 - Engaging businesses through the Go Give One initiative

38:11 - Heartwarming stories: Music therapy and impact on children with speech issues

41:02 - Broader impact stories and sustainable support solutions

44:11 - The overwhelming demand for mental health services and future goals

45:00 - How businesses can contribute and connect through CSR

46:22 - Defining success: Impact over income and community gratitude

47:35 - Light-hearted reflection: What would Matty’s life movie be?

48:00 - Closing remarks: Connect with Matty and explore impactful opportunities

Resources & Links:

• https://www.fortusfoundation.co.uk/
• https://menfulness.org/
• https://www.serendipityyork.co.uk/
• https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/the-purpose-brief/

How did a small family of Quaker confectioners in York change the way we think about business forever?

Jame’s explores the fascinating history of the Rowntree family with Nick Smith from the Rowntree Society. From Joseph Rowntree’s pioneering "Living Wage" experiments to the complex colonial history of the cocoa trade, we explore how a legacy of faith-led social responsibility evolved into a global blueprint for modern social justice and corporate purpose.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Quaker Root: How the Rowntree family’s faith drove their radical views on worker welfare and poverty.
• More Than Chocolate: Joseph Rowntree’s role in creating the foundations for modern philanthropy.
• The Ethical Conflict: Navigating the "bitter" side of the confectionery industry’s colonial past.
• York’s DNA: How the Rowntree influence still shapes community development and social policy in the UK today.

LINKS

https://www.rowntreesociety.org.uk/

https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

Keywords & Tags: #Rowntree #YorkHistory #QuakerValues #SocialJustice #EthicalBusiness #Philanthropy #CorporatePurpose #HistoryShorts #JosephRowntree #SocialResponsibility