Power to Change
@powertochange.org.uk
We are the think-do tank that backs community business. We turn bold ideas into action so communities have the power to change what matters to them.
powertochange.org.uk
powertochange.org.uk
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✨ As we step into a new year (and a new decade for Power to Change!), we’ve been reflecting on everything that 2025 brought — a year of celebrating the people and places driving change, and imagining what the next ten years could hold.
Social clubs are member-run spaces that have historically built trust between local people & institutions. Our Closing the Void paper argued associational orgs like social clubs counter divisive online discourse & social fragmentation by offering spaces for civil discussion: buff.ly/v1DwTXl
Closing the void: Can we reconnect politics with associational life? - Power to Change
This research shows that our democracy is in poor health but people who are involved in associational organisations – from book clubs to community businesse ...
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Social clubs are member-run spaces that have historically built trust between local people & institutions. Our Closing the Void paper argued associational orgs like social clubs counter divisive online discourse & social fragmentation by offering spaces for civil discussion: buff.ly/v1DwTXl
Reposted by Power to Change
Who's leading the revitalisation of our high streets? 👀
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Latest from me, on an eternally overlooked, sniffed-at issue that is politically huge www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK’s high streets have reached a tipping point – and Reform will reap the benefits | John Harris
When even Poundland and charity shops are closing, we’re near a point of no return. But there is hope, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Who's leading the revitalisation of our high streets? 👀
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Interesting research that largely mirrors our findings last year in 'Shuttered front'. We found that Reform overperformed in local elections in places suffering high street decline.
Read the breakdown: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
And the report: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
Read the breakdown: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
And the report: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
January 14, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Interesting research that largely mirrors our findings last year in 'Shuttered front'. We found that Reform overperformed in local elections in places suffering high street decline.
Read the breakdown: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
And the report: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
Read the breakdown: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
And the report: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
Reposted by Power to Change
What do people in England think about their local area? In this short report I take a look at surveys we conducted with @yougov.co.uk in 2022, 2024 and 2025 to gain some insights...
Some key findings...
Some key findings...
Perspectives on Place: what the English think about their local area
www.southampton.ac.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:21 AM
What do people in England think about their local area? In this short report I take a look at surveys we conducted with @yougov.co.uk in 2022, 2024 and 2025 to gain some insights...
Some key findings...
Some key findings...
📢 Join West Midlands Combined Authority as Strategic Lead for Social Economy Growth.
We're delighted to continue supporting this role to deliver an ambitious and innovative programme to double the size of the region's social economy. Apply by 25 Jan:
We're delighted to continue supporting this role to deliver an ambitious and innovative programme to double the size of the region's social economy. Apply by 25 Jan:
Strategic Lead - Social Economy Growth | 25 January, 2026 | Jobs and careers with WMCA
Jobs and careers with WMCA - The West Midlands has one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic social economies, with over 9,300 organisations, 103,000 jobs, and £14bn in annual turnover. These…
buff.ly
January 13, 2026 at 12:01 PM
📢 Join West Midlands Combined Authority as Strategic Lead for Social Economy Growth.
We're delighted to continue supporting this role to deliver an ambitious and innovative programme to double the size of the region's social economy. Apply by 25 Jan:
We're delighted to continue supporting this role to deliver an ambitious and innovative programme to double the size of the region's social economy. Apply by 25 Jan:
🧵 @nickplumb.bsky.social spoke to John about high street decline — and where hope lies. The article points to shifts in power that can unlock real change, like @nudgecommunity.bsky.social in Plymouth, and draws on our Shuttered Front research: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
January 12, 2026 at 11:13 AM
🧵 @nickplumb.bsky.social spoke to John about high street decline — and where hope lies. The article points to shifts in power that can unlock real change, like @nudgecommunity.bsky.social in Plymouth, and draws on our Shuttered Front research: www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
We talk about community business – but what does that mean, and what's so special about it?
We believe business can be so much more than profit. Community businesses are shaped by local people, created to meet real needs – building connection, resilience & opportunity along the way. buff.ly/x4kOcZW
We believe business can be so much more than profit. Community businesses are shaped by local people, created to meet real needs – building connection, resilience & opportunity along the way. buff.ly/x4kOcZW
What is Community Business
Learn what is Community Business and how community businesses are helping to revitalise our town centres.
www.youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:31 AM
We talk about community business – but what does that mean, and what's so special about it?
We believe business can be so much more than profit. Community businesses are shaped by local people, created to meet real needs – building connection, resilience & opportunity along the way. buff.ly/x4kOcZW
We believe business can be so much more than profit. Community businesses are shaped by local people, created to meet real needs – building connection, resilience & opportunity along the way. buff.ly/x4kOcZW
We know the state of our high streets and neighbourhoods shapes how people feel about their lives and the country. Govts Pride in Place programme funds 300 neighbourhoods, with decision‑making to include community groups — a positive shift.
Help with Pride in Place
Practical lessons in community-led regeneration. If you are working in or near a Pride in Place area, this webinar is designed for you.
locality.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:01 PM
We know the state of our high streets and neighbourhoods shapes how people feel about their lives and the country. Govts Pride in Place programme funds 300 neighbourhoods, with decision‑making to include community groups — a positive shift.
✨ As we step into a new year (and a new decade for Power to Change!), we’ve been reflecting on everything that 2025 brought — a year of celebrating the people and places driving change, and imagining what the next ten years could hold.
January 6, 2026 at 2:31 PM
✨ As we step into a new year (and a new decade for Power to Change!), we’ve been reflecting on everything that 2025 brought — a year of celebrating the people and places driving change, and imagining what the next ten years could hold.
Reposted by Power to Change
A great new film by @powertochange.org.uk looks back at a decade of supporting over 2,000 community businesses.
It celebrates the role of community businesses in bringing vision, opportunity, connection and joy to places across the country.
Watch the film: youtu.be/14XUwJCDPVU?...
#PowertoChange10
It celebrates the role of community businesses in bringing vision, opportunity, connection and joy to places across the country.
Watch the film: youtu.be/14XUwJCDPVU?...
#PowertoChange10
Celebrating ten years backing community business | Power to Change
We know community business works to create thriving places. We have seen and evidenced it over the last decade. We also know there is so much more they can do. This year we have been reflecting,…
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 10:01 AM
A great new film by @powertochange.org.uk looks back at a decade of supporting over 2,000 community businesses.
It celebrates the role of community businesses in bringing vision, opportunity, connection and joy to places across the country.
Watch the film: youtu.be/14XUwJCDPVU?...
#PowertoChange10
It celebrates the role of community businesses in bringing vision, opportunity, connection and joy to places across the country.
Watch the film: youtu.be/14XUwJCDPVU?...
#PowertoChange10
Our offices will close on 24 December and our social media channels will be taking a rest from today. We'll be back making the case for community businesses on 5 Jan! Wishing our friends and partners a great festive break. ✨
December 19, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Our offices will close on 24 December and our social media channels will be taking a rest from today. We'll be back making the case for community businesses on 5 Jan! Wishing our friends and partners a great festive break. ✨
Reposted by Power to Change
Interesting piece on the history of post-war place-based policy (which spells out some clear lessons for the government's pride in place programme)
With place and devolution back at the centre of political debate, it’s a timely reminder that those mapping a way forward should look at what has come before.
📘 Read Nick’s essay here:https://buff.ly/ElcnWP3
📚 Download the full collection:https://buff.ly/C34ukiN
📘 Read Nick’s essay here:https://buff.ly/ElcnWP3
📚 Download the full collection:https://buff.ly/C34ukiN
Looking back to move forwards: A historical perspective on community and public policy - Power to Change
This month's essay from Nick Garland explores how past regeneration efforts like the New Deal for Communities offer vital lessons for shaping sustainab ...
buff.ly
December 18, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Interesting piece on the history of post-war place-based policy (which spells out some clear lessons for the government's pride in place programme)
As we come to the end of our 10th year, we're looking to a future that's community-led - where community businesses build economies that work for people & planet & support people to make connections in a community they can rely on.
📺 Our new film brings this ambition to life: bit.ly/44BfuSi
📺 Our new film brings this ambition to life: bit.ly/44BfuSi
Celebrating ten years backing community business | Power to Change
We know community business works to create thriving places. We have seen and evidenced it over the last decade. We also know there is so much more they can do. This year we have been reflecting, celebrating, and looking to the future. With the right conditions, community businesses can help build an economy that works for people and the planet, give communities a greater say in the decisions that affect them, and support people to make meaningful connections within a community they can rely on. 📺Explore more from our campaign: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/celebrating-ten-years/ 🌟Special thanks to our community business contributors and their teams and community members for being part of this short film: Deana Bamford and Ian Wilson, Coalville C.A.N. https://coalvillecan.coop/pages/about-coalville-can Afzal Hussain, Witton Lodge, Birmingham: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and-ideas/case-studies/witton-lodge-community-association/ Jane & Brian Dawe, SAFE Regeneration, Bootle: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and-ideas/news-and-events/safe-regeneration/ Craig Pennington and Christopher Torpey, Future Yard, Liverpool: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and-ideas/case-studies/future-yard/ 📚 You can read our essay collection 'From the ground up: Community business and Britain’s next decade': https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and-ideas/research-and-reports/from-the-ground-up-community-business-and-britains-next-decade/ Follow us on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/powertochange.org.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9480564/
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 10:38 AM
As we come to the end of our 10th year, we're looking to a future that's community-led - where community businesses build economies that work for people & planet & support people to make connections in a community they can rely on.
📺 Our new film brings this ambition to life: bit.ly/44BfuSi
📺 Our new film brings this ambition to life: bit.ly/44BfuSi
💡As our ten-year celebrations draw to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what the next decade of community business should learn from the last and what that means as we head into a new year.
December 17, 2025 at 10:33 AM
💡As our ten-year celebrations draw to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what the next decade of community business should learn from the last and what that means as we head into a new year.
⚡ While we wind down the year – and draw our ten year celebrations to a close – we’re spotlighting innovative thinkers in our 10 year essay collection.
Today take inspiration from @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, who is working for a world where tech works for 8 billion people not eight billionaires
Today take inspiration from @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, who is working for a world where tech works for 8 billion people not eight billionaires
December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
⚡ While we wind down the year – and draw our ten year celebrations to a close – we’re spotlighting innovative thinkers in our 10 year essay collection.
Today take inspiration from @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, who is working for a world where tech works for 8 billion people not eight billionaires
Today take inspiration from @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social, who is working for a world where tech works for 8 billion people not eight billionaires
Reposted by Power to Change
Yes. @powertochange.org.uk did some good work around a High St Buy Out Fund that would buy and hold property whilst communities were developing ideas/capacity. And yes, definitely let's get a coffee post Xmas! www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and....
Take back the high street: Why now is the time for a High Street Buyout Fund - Power to Change
This paper puts forward the concept of a High Street Buyout Fund – an agile fund which will purchase high street buildings and transfer these into community ...
www.powertochange.org.uk
December 13, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Yes. @powertochange.org.uk did some good work around a High St Buy Out Fund that would buy and hold property whilst communities were developing ideas/capacity. And yes, definitely let's get a coffee post Xmas! www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and....
A great read. Back on the Map are doing incredible things in Sunderland - local people coming together to transform their neighbourhoods and create opportunities.
Locality members Back on the Map are featured as part of @theguardian.com charity appeal. Back on the Map is transforming the local area, fostering hope and belonging, and bringing people together in a time where some communities feel more divided than ever.
theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com/society/2025...
‘This country’s divided’: how a Sunderland charity is changing that – one house, park and shop at a time
Far-right rhetoric fuelled rioting here in 2024, but Back on the Map is helping to unite the community, through good accommodation, new shops, and an aim to genuinely uplift and improve people’s lives
theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:43 AM
A great read. Back on the Map are doing incredible things in Sunderland - local people coming together to transform their neighbourhoods and create opportunities.
#CommunityBusinessWeek may be over, but the movement continues! Read advice from others looking to make a change at the grassroots - and leave a message of your own:
👉 https://www.powertochange.org.uk/what-we-do/community-business-week/#celebration_form
#PowertoChange10
👉 https://www.powertochange.org.uk/what-we-do/community-business-week/#celebration_form
#PowertoChange10
December 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
#CommunityBusinessWeek may be over, but the movement continues! Read advice from others looking to make a change at the grassroots - and leave a message of your own:
👉 https://www.powertochange.org.uk/what-we-do/community-business-week/#celebration_form
#PowertoChange10
👉 https://www.powertochange.org.uk/what-we-do/community-business-week/#celebration_form
#PowertoChange10
🔦 Our next essay spotlight looks to Vidhya Alakeson, former Power to Change CEO, now in No. 10, who asks what community businesses can teach government about governing differently.
December 11, 2025 at 9:22 AM
🔦 Our next essay spotlight looks to Vidhya Alakeson, former Power to Change CEO, now in No. 10, who asks what community businesses can teach government about governing differently.
💡 Next up in our essay spotlight series: a thoughtful piece bursting with new ideas to take us into 2026 from @jamestplunkett.bsky.social (@kinship.works).
December 10, 2025 at 11:24 AM
💡 Next up in our essay spotlight series: a thoughtful piece bursting with new ideas to take us into 2026 from @jamestplunkett.bsky.social (@kinship.works).
Thank you to everyone who joined us this #CommunityBusinessWeek – from Newcastle to Bristol, we celebrated the incredible impact of community business 🌟
See photos and some highlights from our team who were out at #CommunityBusinessWeek events 👇
See photos and some highlights from our team who were out at #CommunityBusinessWeek events 👇
December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Thank you to everyone who joined us this #CommunityBusinessWeek – from Newcastle to Bristol, we celebrated the incredible impact of community business 🌟
See photos and some highlights from our team who were out at #CommunityBusinessWeek events 👇
See photos and some highlights from our team who were out at #CommunityBusinessWeek events 👇
Last week, for #CommunityBusinessWeek we celebrated the community businesses that don’t just trade – but bring vibrancy back to our streets, offer places to meet, and build relationships and trust.
Explore their stories 👇
Explore their stories 👇
December 9, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Last week, for #CommunityBusinessWeek we celebrated the community businesses that don’t just trade – but bring vibrancy back to our streets, offer places to meet, and build relationships and trust.
Explore their stories 👇
Explore their stories 👇
⚖️ As the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill had its second reading in the Lords yesterday, lawmakers grappled with what real community empowerment looks like. For those searching for answers, Sacha Bedding’s essay is essential reading.
December 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
⚖️ As the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill had its second reading in the Lords yesterday, lawmakers grappled with what real community empowerment looks like. For those searching for answers, Sacha Bedding’s essay is essential reading.
📈 Our last Pulse survey of the year demonstrates community businesses’ sustained optimism, in sharp contrast to other small businesses. While other small businesses anticipate sizing down, many of the community businesses we spoke to are tackling how to grow.
December 9, 2025 at 1:21 PM
📈 Our last Pulse survey of the year demonstrates community businesses’ sustained optimism, in sharp contrast to other small businesses. While other small businesses anticipate sizing down, many of the community businesses we spoke to are tackling how to grow.
@jesscraig.bsky.social explores for @labourlist.bsky.social how Community Investment Zones could transform the future of our high streets—bring life back to local economies, support small businesses & create vibrant, community-led spaces: bit.ly/48EGocX
'Britain’s high streets need Community Investment Zones' - LabourList
Community Investment Zones would give communities the tools to realise the next era of our high streets and town centres.
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 1:56 PM
@jesscraig.bsky.social explores for @labourlist.bsky.social how Community Investment Zones could transform the future of our high streets—bring life back to local economies, support small businesses & create vibrant, community-led spaces: bit.ly/48EGocX