South East England
Supporting community business
In South East England
Nearly 200 community businesses have received investment from Power to Change since 2015, a significant number of which are community pubs and cafés. These community businesses are providing better access to services, growing greater community cohesion, and improving health and welbeing in their neighbourhoods. Among them is The Bevy, the UK’s first community-owned pub on a housing estate.
The region is home to a number of community energy businesses that are working on bringing solar farms into community ownership, delivering against local needs and priorities.
Orchard Farm Solar Array in north Kent has been up and running since 2016. It is owned by a local non-profit group, Orchard Community Energy, with profits going to support community projects in Swale and Medway. Now there is a great opportunity to bring another solar farm next door into full community ownership through new group Kent Community Energy.
Find out more about how we work in your area
Case studies
FROM the South East
Southern Maltings: Ware Arts Centre
Bustling arts centre in building that stretches back to...
Kingsclere Community Association
Despite being located in a rural community with just 4800 people, The Fieldgate Centre, provides a diverse and fundamental service to the local community....
October Books
Founded in the 1970s, radical co-operative bookshop, October Books in Southampton has expanded its reach to a new generation of young members and...
The latest news
from the south east
The energy crisis and community businesses
Power to Change are committed to supporting community businesses to play their role in the fairer, greener...
Levelling Up White Paper: Power to Change responds
Power to Change responds to the publication of the Government's Levelling Up White...
House of Commons committee publishes high street recommendations for government
Power to Change responds to the House of Commons Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee's high streets...