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
✨ 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.
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. ✨
💡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
#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).
🎄 Edberts House in Gateshead held a Christmas celebration. @nickplumb.bsky.social: "What came through to me was just how much Edberts House is *part of* the community. So often, distinctions between staff and community members didn't feel necessary - that's part of what makes their work so special."
December 10, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🎄 Edberts House in Gateshead held a Christmas celebration. @nickplumb.bsky.social: "What came through to me was just how much Edberts House is *part of* the community. So often, distinctions between staff and community members didn't feel necessary - that's part of what makes their work so special."
🏡 CIVIC SQUARE in Birmingham showcased how our homes can become spaces for community-led climate action. Najira said: "We loved joining a day of learning about community-led regeneration & neighbourhood retrofit. Civic Square show what's possible when local people shape the places they call home."
December 10, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🏡 CIVIC SQUARE in Birmingham showcased how our homes can become spaces for community-led climate action. Najira said: "We loved joining a day of learning about community-led regeneration & neighbourhood retrofit. Civic Square show what's possible when local people shape the places they call home."
🎶 @stretford.bsky.social, Manchester hosted a night of talks & music. Nicola shared: "There was a common thread through the evening about the importance of building community power through community ownership - matched with an abundance of energy to keep creating positive change in our communities"
December 10, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🎶 @stretford.bsky.social, Manchester hosted a night of talks & music. Nicola shared: "There was a common thread through the evening about the importance of building community power through community ownership - matched with an abundance of energy to keep creating positive change in our communities"
✨ @wecanmake.bsky.social in Bristol held a street party, showcasing their project working with residents to prepare for the climate transition & retrofit homes. Louisa said, "We loved visiting Retrofit Street IRL and learning how you future-proof homes in a genuinely empowering community-led way."
December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
✨ @wecanmake.bsky.social in Bristol held a street party, showcasing their project working with residents to prepare for the climate transition & retrofit homes. Louisa said, "We loved visiting Retrofit Street IRL and learning how you future-proof homes in a genuinely empowering community-led way."
🎬 @starandshadow.bsky.social threw an open doors weekend! Shaheen said: "Star & Shadow show how local people can sustain cultural assets that public/private markets often fail to provide. It's a model for inclusive creative industries: lowering barriers to entry & creating accessible spaces"
December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
🎬 @starandshadow.bsky.social threw an open doors weekend! Shaheen said: "Star & Shadow show how local people can sustain cultural assets that public/private markets often fail to provide. It's a model for inclusive creative industries: lowering barriers to entry & creating accessible spaces"
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.
💡 Unsurprisingly, those who were in a Pride in Place funded area were least likely to feel any policies reflected negatively on government, showing the power of giving more resources and targeted investment to communities.
December 9, 2025 at 1:21 PM
💡 Unsurprisingly, those who were in a Pride in Place funded area were least likely to feel any policies reflected negatively on government, showing the power of giving more resources and targeted investment to communities.
📈 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.
🎉 Last night, @stretford.bsky.social hosted their #CommunityBusinessWeek event celebrating 10 years of community power!
Earlier this month, we published an essay by Simon Borkin, reflecting on the Hall's incredible journey – from community campaign to a thriving community business.
Earlier this month, we published an essay by Simon Borkin, reflecting on the Hall's incredible journey – from community campaign to a thriving community business.
December 5, 2025 at 2:18 PM
🎉 Last night, @stretford.bsky.social hosted their #CommunityBusinessWeek event celebrating 10 years of community power!
Earlier this month, we published an essay by Simon Borkin, reflecting on the Hall's incredible journey – from community campaign to a thriving community business.
Earlier this month, we published an essay by Simon Borkin, reflecting on the Hall's incredible journey – from community campaign to a thriving community business.
Community businesses don’t just trade – they transform places. Use our toolkit to tell your story:
✔ Post on social media
✔ Invite your community in
✔ Share your impact with local press
📥 Download the toolkit today: buff.ly/JWA2Y8S
#CommunityBusinessWeek
✔ Post on social media
✔ Invite your community in
✔ Share your impact with local press
📥 Download the toolkit today: buff.ly/JWA2Y8S
#CommunityBusinessWeek
December 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Community businesses don’t just trade – they transform places. Use our toolkit to tell your story:
✔ Post on social media
✔ Invite your community in
✔ Share your impact with local press
📥 Download the toolkit today: buff.ly/JWA2Y8S
#CommunityBusinessWeek
✔ Post on social media
✔ Invite your community in
✔ Share your impact with local press
📥 Download the toolkit today: buff.ly/JWA2Y8S
#CommunityBusinessWeek
🎄 #Gateshead! Join Edberts House today to light up the community with food, music & crafts. Join us 4.30–9pm. Find out more & join 👉 buff.ly/D3kJpdT
December 5, 2025 at 9:55 AM
🎄 #Gateshead! Join Edberts House today to light up the community with food, music & crafts. Join us 4.30–9pm. Find out more & join 👉 buff.ly/D3kJpdT
It was great to be with @civicsquare.bsky.social in Birmingham today for #CommunityBusinessWeek, reflecting on a year of community-led regeneration and neighbourhood retrofit. Inspiring site tours, talks and more, exploring how we build and celebrate more connected places in a changing climate.
December 4, 2025 at 8:19 PM
It was great to be with @civicsquare.bsky.social in Birmingham today for #CommunityBusinessWeek, reflecting on a year of community-led regeneration and neighbourhood retrofit. Inspiring site tours, talks and more, exploring how we build and celebrate more connected places in a changing climate.
🎉 Coming up today at #CommunityBusinessWeek!
📍 #Birmingham
CIVIC SQUARE reflect on a year of organising around street-scale and neighbourhood retrofit, with an afternoon of site tours, dinner & screenings. All exploring how we can build thriving neighbourhoods in a changing climate.
🕒 3:00–8:00pm
📍 #Birmingham
CIVIC SQUARE reflect on a year of organising around street-scale and neighbourhood retrofit, with an afternoon of site tours, dinner & screenings. All exploring how we can build thriving neighbourhoods in a changing climate.
🕒 3:00–8:00pm
December 4, 2025 at 1:50 PM
🎉 Coming up today at #CommunityBusinessWeek!
📍 #Birmingham
CIVIC SQUARE reflect on a year of organising around street-scale and neighbourhood retrofit, with an afternoon of site tours, dinner & screenings. All exploring how we can build thriving neighbourhoods in a changing climate.
🕒 3:00–8:00pm
📍 #Birmingham
CIVIC SQUARE reflect on a year of organising around street-scale and neighbourhood retrofit, with an afternoon of site tours, dinner & screenings. All exploring how we can build thriving neighbourhoods in a changing climate.
🕒 3:00–8:00pm
🌍 Across England, local people are transforming their communities through community businesses—run by locals, for locals.
✅ 81% of staff & 91% of volunteers are from the community
✅ Nearly 70% pay the real Living Wage (vs just 1 in 7 UK employers)
This #CommunityBusinessWeek, celebrate yours!
✅ 81% of staff & 91% of volunteers are from the community
✅ Nearly 70% pay the real Living Wage (vs just 1 in 7 UK employers)
This #CommunityBusinessWeek, celebrate yours!
December 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
🌍 Across England, local people are transforming their communities through community businesses—run by locals, for locals.
✅ 81% of staff & 91% of volunteers are from the community
✅ Nearly 70% pay the real Living Wage (vs just 1 in 7 UK employers)
This #CommunityBusinessWeek, celebrate yours!
✅ 81% of staff & 91% of volunteers are from the community
✅ Nearly 70% pay the real Living Wage (vs just 1 in 7 UK employers)
This #CommunityBusinessWeek, celebrate yours!
#CommunityBusinessWeek, so we're spotlighting innovative thinkers in our recent essay collection:
💡Bex (@platformplaces.bsky.social) has a vision for how community-led spaces can transform neighbourhoods, her essay looks at what it will take, and what's up for grabs if we get there.
buff.ly/DYqnRzw
💡Bex (@platformplaces.bsky.social) has a vision for how community-led spaces can transform neighbourhoods, her essay looks at what it will take, and what's up for grabs if we get there.
buff.ly/DYqnRzw
December 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
#CommunityBusinessWeek, so we're spotlighting innovative thinkers in our recent essay collection:
💡Bex (@platformplaces.bsky.social) has a vision for how community-led spaces can transform neighbourhoods, her essay looks at what it will take, and what's up for grabs if we get there.
buff.ly/DYqnRzw
💡Bex (@platformplaces.bsky.social) has a vision for how community-led spaces can transform neighbourhoods, her essay looks at what it will take, and what's up for grabs if we get there.
buff.ly/DYqnRzw
The creation of the Office for the Impact Economy and the launch of Pride in Place could be game-changing for local, purpose-led enterprises.
Our Chief Executive, Tim Davies-Pugh, explains why this moment matters — and what it could mean for communities across the country.
👉 Read: buff.ly/df1fNhd
Our Chief Executive, Tim Davies-Pugh, explains why this moment matters — and what it could mean for communities across the country.
👉 Read: buff.ly/df1fNhd
December 1, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The creation of the Office for the Impact Economy and the launch of Pride in Place could be game-changing for local, purpose-led enterprises.
Our Chief Executive, Tim Davies-Pugh, explains why this moment matters — and what it could mean for communities across the country.
👉 Read: buff.ly/df1fNhd
Our Chief Executive, Tim Davies-Pugh, explains why this moment matters — and what it could mean for communities across the country.
👉 Read: buff.ly/df1fNhd