Partners

We work with our partners to build better places.

We know community business works to build stronger communities and better places to live. We back them to grow and succeed. But we don’t do it alone, we work in partnership with a range of organisations to shape the conditions for community businesses to thrive.

We work with a large range of organisations to shape the conditions for community businesses to thrive. This includes:

  • Funders and foundations
  • Investors, from social investors to private investors
  • Government at all levels, including regional and local authorities
  • Think tanks and advocacy organisations
  • Community businesses

Want to work with us?

We do, test and learn in three areas

People chatting at a Sherford Community Landtrust stall chat

Building community power

We believe communities should have the power to change what matters to them in their local area. We’re working with partners to make the case for governing the country differently. We’re also a proud partner of the We’re Right Here campaign, calling for a Community Power Act, a major piece of legislation which would fundamentally change where power lies in this country. 

woman paying for something in a shop

Financing the future economy

We know that the right kind of finance – at the right time – is instrumental in the success of community business. Through working in partnership, we’re leveraging investment into the community business sector. And we’re advocating for more affordable, flexible and accessible finance for community businesses.

People taking down bunting after Nudge Community Union Street party

Taking back our high streets

We want all communities to have the power to create vibrant and resilient high streets that work for them. Through evidence, advocacy and working in partnership, we’re creating the power, backing and resources that community businesses need to take a greater role in shaping the future of their high streets and town centres.

News and views

Our thinking and latest updates on how we’re backing community business.

Pool table democracy

Pool table democracy

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

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

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. 
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Learning what works

We’ve built up significant evidence and research about what works for community business to thrive. We are committed to partnering with think tanks and research institutions to test, do and learn how to tackle the barriers to their success.

The economic contribution of community business

The economic contribution of community business

There have long been gaps in quantitative evidence around the unique economic contribution that community business makes. This new research provides an estimate of the total economic contribution made by community businesses to the national economy. It highlights the different ways, to whom, and where community businesses drive economic benefits locally.
Powering Up diversity, equity and inclusion reports

Powering Up diversity, equity and inclusion reports

The Powering Up Programme offered deliver capacity building support for the organisationThese interim and final reports outline the diversity, equity and inclusion approach taken during the Powering Up programme.
‘No-code’ but not alone

‘No-code’ but not alone

A guide for community businesses developing the right tech with the right type of support, drawing on lessons from our Powering Up programme. This guide is designed to help community businesses explore a model of digital development that balances the strengths of no-code solutions with the benefits of expert collaboration.
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