The annual open doors event, which will run from Thursday 14 May to Sunday 17 May, will have an environmental theme for 2020. Community businesses, their customers, staff and volunteers will be able to share success stories and swap ideas on how to improve their local neighbourhood, on the small steps that can help to solve the global climate crisis.
There are 9,000 community businesses across England, and they can organise a huge range of events to mark the occasion. Previous years have seen street parties, community business tours, free taster classes, inspiring debates, volunteer sessions, markets and grand openings of new businesses.
Charlotte Cassedanne, Head of Communications at Power to Change, said: “This year, we’re celebrating how community businesses are climate confident, and can help local people take small local actions to tackle the global climate crisis. From saving bees, to generating renewable energy, growing food locally to preserving green spaces, the 9,000 community businesses in England are making a difference.”
For this year’s celebrations, Power to Change has recruited nine specialist ambassadors representing every region of England, to mobilise their local communities and encourage even more people to take part. These include Sacha Bedding, Chief Executive of The Wharton Trust, a community centre in Hartlepool, Dan Harris, Director of Bee Saviour Behaviour Ltd in Norfolk, and Alison Belshaw, who has helped to establish The Community Farm, Buzz Lockleaze and the Red Brick Building in the South West.
Power to Change will also be working with award-winning integrated agency BJL on the PR for the event, and will be conducting social and marketing activity in-house, led by the trust’s growing communications team. The trust will also be launching a new podcast series in time for the weekend, produced with podcast agency Pixiu.
To take part and receive an activity pack and ideas for events, community businesses should register their interest at www.communitybusinessweekend.org. Members of the public who would like to get involved can find their local community business using an interactive map on the same website.
#CBWknd20
WATCH the Community Business Weekend 2020 video:
About Power to Change
Power to Change is the independent trust that supports community businesses in England.
Community businesses are locally rooted, community-led, trade for community benefit and make life better for local people. The sector owns assets worth £890m, and comprises 9,000 community businesses across England who employ 33,600 people. (Source: Community Business Market 2019)
From pubs to libraries; shops to bakeries; swimming pools to solar farms; community businesses are creating great products and services, providing employment and training and transforming lives. Power to Change received its endowment from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2015.
Power to Change is a signatory of the Funder Commitment on Climate Change.
www.powertochange.org.uk @peoplesbiz
For more information please contact: Alex Valk 07384 812777 alexv@www.powertochange.org.uk
About The National Lottery Community Fund
We are the largest community funder in the UK – we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since June 2004, we have made over 200,000 grants and awarded over £9 billion to projects that have benefited millions of people.
We are passionate about funding great ideas that matter to communities and make a difference to people’s lives. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.
About Pixiu
Founded in 2008, Pixiu are trusted by some of the world’s best loved brands – including The British Library, BT Sport and Virgin – to develop, produce and grow their shows. From comedy to sport, business to wellbeing, their work has reached millions of ears worldwide – www.pixiu.co.uk
About BJL
The award-winning agency has offices in Manchester and London offering fully integrated advertising, marketing, digital and PR services. Clients include: Marshall, Hilton Hotels, Subaru Europe, Craghoppers, Florette, Asda and Ronseal. BJL is part of Dentsu Aegis Network www.dentsuaegisnetwork.com