The Big South West Meet-Up

Your community-owned business is vital – but the world around it is changing fast. Rising costs, changing customer expectations and increasing pressure on volunteers mean that futureproofing what you do has never been more important.

The Big South West Meet-Up is designed to help you and your business plan confidently for the future, with practical support, fresh thinking and expert insight from Plunkett UK; the membership organisation supporting rural community-owned enterprises for more than 100 years.

Drawing on Plunkett’s landmark 2025 report, , this event focuses on the four areas proven to be critical to long-term success:

• Range - are you offering the right mix of products for today’s customers?
• Proposition - how compelling is your offer as a destination, not just a shop?
• Services - how well are you responding to the evolving needs of your community?
• Social impact - how clearly are you demonstrating the difference your business makes?

Skilled advisers from Plunkett UK will share learning from working with hundreds of community businesses across the UK, alongside practical examples and ideas you can apply directly to your own situation.

Our venue is the stunning Powderham Castle near Exeter, home of Charles Courtenay, The Earl of Devon. Charles co-chaired Plunkett's Future of Rural Retail Taskforce with Mary Portas OBE. He will open the event and share his commitment to rural communities.

What you’ll gain from attending

• Clear, practical actions you can take back to your community business
• Take part in two of four interactive workshops, each focused on a key area for long-term success
• Time to learn from others facing similar challenges and opportunities
• Shape Plunkett's membership offer for community businesses
• A clear understanding of how Plunkett UK can support you to turn ambition into reality

Our priority is that you leave the day with ideas, confidence and next steps that will make a real difference to your business and your community.

Who should attend?

This event is for anyone involved in running a community-owned shop in the South West of England, including:

• Committee members
• Volunteers
• Paid staff and managers

To get the most from the day, we strongly recommend attending in pairs to cover the packed agenda. A combination of a committee member and shop or business manager works particularly well, helping you share learning, reflect together and take ideas back to your wider team.

If you want to keep your business relevant, grow or rethink your offer – with expert support to help you do it well – this FREE event is for you.

Click 'Get tickets' to secure your place >

Info: With Charles Courtenay, The Earl of Devon and Co-Chair of Plunkett's Future of Rural Retail Taskforce and James Alcock, Plunkett CEO.

Info: An overview of the four areas for long-term success

Info: Product Range OR Social Impact

Info: Proposition OR Diversifying Your Services

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Powderham Castle, Powderham Estate, Exeter, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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