A small conversation taking place in a community business can reveal a lot about what it takes to strengthen our democracy. Where people don’t have the time to engage in local decision making and don’t think they can make a difference, we argue that the government, political parties and community organisations can do more to close the void between ordinary people and politics.
You’re invited to dinner: The unlikely allies reimagining our high streets
Platform Places shows how community leaders, local business owners, asset owners and councils can gather—not as adversaries, but as co-creators of a shared future. In this essay, co-founder, Bex Trevalyan, explores how grassroots collaboration and imaginative placemaking are breathing new life into Britain’s high streets.
Beyond the post-its: Local growth lessons from Liverpool and beyond
Kindred in Liverpool City Region is a story of collaboration, innovation, and social impact. As we mark our tenth anniversary, we explore how partnerships with strategic authorities have shaped a flourishing social economy.
Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a living example of community power. From a hydroelectric plant to a swimming pool and music hall – read how the social economy has helped them deliver tangible, place-based growth.
‘Growing across’ – why inclusive growth must be part of the industrial strategy
The government’s ambitious industrial strategy sets out a bold vision for growth, but the real measure of success will be whether people feel the benefits in their daily lives. For growth to be truly transformative, it must be inclusive—rooted in communities, creating opportunities for those often left behind, and delivering lasting prosperity across every region.
The Shuttered Front: High street decline and the rise of Reform
Power to Change’s new analysis – Introducing the Shuttered Front – suggests a clear association between high street decline and an increased support for Reform UK in England.
What would the future look like if communities had more say and power, and how would we make this happen? James Plunkett reflects as part of our 10th anniversary essay collection.
Five high street innovators join new learning partnership
Our latest research on the economic contribution of community business illustrates the key role they play in economic growth. But their value goes beyond economic measures, playing a vital role in fostering connection, social value, and resilience in our communities.
Give us a chance and we’ll give you community power
Next up in our 10th anniversary essay collection, Sacha Bedding, Chief Executive of the Wharton Trust, reflects on their journey to empower local people in Dyke House, Hartlepool, to take action in their community.
Equity and inclusion in community business support
The Powering Up programme placed equity and inclusion at its heart, recognising the additional barriers faced by minoritised and racialised communities. This blog shares key lessons from our approach, from simplifying access and embedding culturally competent support, to building trust through lived experience and continuously evolving the programme design.
Building resilience through digital and climate skills
In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, community businesses face significant challenges around digital transformation and climate change, impacting their sustainability and effectiveness. Recognising these critical areas of support, Power to Change developed Powering Up, a targeted programme dedicated to strengthening community businesses by building essential capabilities in both digital innovation and climate action.
As part of the Powering Up programme, Power to Change embraced open working. Through this process, we learned how transparency and collaboration can drive innovation, amplify impact, and support a more sustainable and equitable future for community businesses.
Empowering community businesses through flexible support
The Powering Up programme illustrates how devolving power and adopting flexible, inclusive approaches can significantly enhance the effectiveness of support for community businesses.
Tim Davies-Pugh, Chief Executive at Power to Change, launches our series of blogs and essays in our 10th anniversary year. This series will reflect on how the world has evolved since 2015 and what it might look like in 2035.
Sustainable regeneration: Looking back and moving forward
Labour's new Plan for Neighbourhoods draws a line under the levelling up agenda. Instead, it looks back to New Labour's New Deal for Communities for inspiration. What can this teach us about longevity in regeneration programmes?
Why communities need the power to own environmental assets
Imagine if as well as pubs and village halls, communities could dream big and purchase beloved rivers, woods, and peat bogs. A tweak to Labour’s forthcoming Community Right to Buy could make this possible, but rumours are circulating that this change is at risk of being abandoned.
Developing innovative approaches to impact finance
Over the next two years, we’re working with five community asset developers to understand the role of accessible finance in unlocking positive impact for our communities.
Our recent Community Business Market Report 2024 shows that community business continue to face barriers in accessing sustainable forms of funding and finance. That’s why we’re working with government, funders and investors to foster appropriate and innovative finance for the future economy.
Community-powered high streets and life beyond retail
Our recent survey shows that community power is a top priority for community businesses. This year, we’re testing policies on the ground that put communities in charge.
