People from community-owned businesses across the UK will join later this year at the National Community Business Conference 2024, organised by Plunkett UK.
The event on Thursday 23 October 2024 promises to deliver the very best insights and practical advice for community businesses no matter their stage of trading.
The day includes expert speakers, workshops facilitated by specialist advisers and a marketplace featuring a range of community business suppliers. There will also be plenty of time given to networking, ideas sharing and peer learning.
The event will take place from 9.30am – 4pm at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, a community-owned venue on London’s South Bank. Our celebratory Rural Community Business Awards follow on at the same venue that evening (with nominations opening from 19 June).
The conference’s programme is designed with plenary sessions plus expert panels, best practice and interactive workshops on a variety of themes including:
•local and ethical sourcing
•volunteering, training and employment
•financing for growth and impact
•tackling climate change, and
•community engagement.
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, and we’re excited to host our annual conference in London this October to allow that to happen again.
“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.”
The conference’s headline sponsor is the sustainable marketing agency and certified B Corp, Webmart. Tom Maskill, Webmart’s Chief Client Officer, says, “We are proud to be partnering with Plunkett UK in hosting their National Community Business Conference 2024. Charitable giving is one of Webmart’s cornerstone motivations, and our values of supporting local communities very much align with those of Plunkett’s.
“We know the good they are doing as a charity in delivering better businesses for people, communities, the economy, and the environment, and are delighted to be supporting them by sponsoring this national conference.”
Other conference workshop sponsors include Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, Charity Bank, Suma Wholefoods and Utility Aid.
Go to www.plunkett.co.uk/conference for full event details and a booking link.