COMMUNITIES across the West Yorkshire fighting to save their local pub, shop or other services from closure will have the chance to learn from those who have already done it at an event this month.

Community groups who own and run a variety of businesses will be sharing their experiences with others aspiring to do the same.

By the end of 2018 there were nearly 100 community pubs trading across the UK – with 11 opening in the previous year alone. Meanwhile 16 new community owned and run shops started trading – bringing the national total to over 360.

The event in Leeds is being organised by national charity the Plunkett Foundation, which helps rural communities tackle the issues they face through promoting and supporting community business.

Highlights include speed networking and sessions on financial planning, managing volunteers and staff, promoting health and wellbeing and boosting the local economy.

James Alcock, Plunkett’s Chief Executive, said: “When a pub, shop or other form of community business opens it can have such a huge impact on the surrounding area – changing lives for the better.

“Whether it is saving a much loved village pub, opening a completely new service or keeping the last shop in the area open and expanding what services it offers – the wider benefits can be vast. And through what they offer, community businesses have a proven track record of tackling other challenges including rural isolation and loneliness. ”

All kinds of community owned and run enterprises are invited to the event – whether they have been trading for years or are just beginning. As well as having the opportunity to network with other groups, delegates will be challenged to think about what makes a good rural community business by discussing examples of best practice and the relevance of broader national developments and debates.

The Community Business Networking Event will take place from 10:00 – 16:00 on 13 November at The Studio, Whitehall Road, Leeds and groups are invited to book their places now.

For more information call 01993 814376 or email Phillip.Vincent@plunkett.co.uk