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2023 Survey for Community Businesses


The Plunkett Foundation is currently preparing state of sector research on community businesses. This survey is open to all types of community business, trading anywhere in the UK. The results will be published in a report on Plunkett's website later this year.


The deadline to respond is Sunday 23rd July 2023. If you have any questions about the survey or problems with the form, get in touch with us at info@plunkett.co.uk.


You can save your progress and come back to this form at any time. There are 20 mostly tick-box questions, which should take around 15-20 minutes to complete. When you click "submit", you will have the chance to review and print your responses to the questions.


Who should complete the survey? We recommend that a member of the management committee is likely to be best placed to answer the questions, but it can also be completed by a manager or tenant. Please communicate with other members of the committee to decide who would be best placed to respond.


Why does your voice matter? Your responses will shape our support and training services and evidence the needs and impact of community businesses across the UK to politicians and policy makers. To build a credible representation of the sector, we need to hear from as many businesses as possible.


To find out more about the research, click here.

Accessibility: we are committed to making the survey as accessible as possible. If there is any way we can help you, please contact us on 01993 630022 or by emailing info@plunkett.co.uk.

Data policy: All published survey information is anonymised and presented in aggregate form, unless you specifically agree otherwise. By completing this survey, you are consenting to the use of information provided (anonymised and aggregated) in the research report and in policy responses, promotional material on the Foundation website (www.plunkett.co.uk); social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram); media (e.g. print, online, TV, reports); and also in printed materials (e.g. research, reports, leaflets).

All data is being collected and stored in compliance with UK data protection law. You can read Plunkett Foundation's Privacy Policy here.


Before you begin, check your details

We need to know some key information about your business. If you have received a personalised link via email, some of this information may have been filled in automatically. If any of the information below is incorrect, you can edit it below or contact data@plunkett.co.uk.
Business details





If your business combines multiple services e.g. a shop and a cafe, select the primary trading activity



Your details
We may need to contact you about your response. Personal details will remain confidential and will not be shared by the Plunkett Foundation with any other party. 






Business Health and Financial Situation

In this section, we'd like to know how your business has been doing, to inform our business support and advocacy. Our November 2022 Member's survey revealed that 95% of community businesses were affected by energy bills and inflation. We have repeated some of the questions here to measure whether there has been any change.





Business Health and Financial Situation continued








The cost of living crisis and your community



    Note: We understand that absorbing rising prices and costs etc. is simply not affordable for many businesses, and that "none of the above" is an indication of necessary decisions taken to secure the future of the business, rather than inaction.




Equality, diversity and inclusion

In last year’s Better Business survey for community pubs and shops, we found that over two thirds of community businesses offer opportunities specifically for young people aged 16-25. We’d like to gather more evidence how community businesses are creating inclusive, safe and welcoming spaces for all.
Employees and Volunteers



Your community

*For example, people may experience social exclusion on the basis of any of the following characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010: age; sex; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; disability; religion/belief; race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin; being pregnant; marital status. People may also experience social exclusion for other reasons, e.g.: they are leaving the criminal justice system; are survivors of domestic violence; have experienced or are experiencing homelessness; or have a long-term physical/mental health condition.

The Climate and Ecological Crisis

In 2022, we found that more than half of community businesses had a sustainability policy, and even more were taking direct action to reduce emissions and benefit the environment. 


In light of rising energy bills, going green has never been more pressing. Last November, over 70% of our members said they would like to improve the energy efficiency of their business. 


We’d like to know what actions you’ve been taking to improve your environmental impact, and how rising energy prices have influenced your plans and priorities.

Energy 
14. Are you currently considering installing any of the following Energy Saving Materials (ESMs) in the list below? 

If you have already installed some of the ESMs below, indicate whether this was before or after 1st January 2022. (Select "prior to 2022" or "after 1 Jan 2022".)

If any of the options below are not applicable (i.e. you have not installed or considered insulation, solar panels, etc.), leave the row blank.
Currently considering Prior to 2022 After 1 Jan 2022


*In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”


The Climate and Ecological Crisis cont.

Climate and Sustainability






You could give examples of activities you've done and how they had an impact, or you could describe challenges you faced or are currently facing.

Confidence and priorities

We understand that many businesses are experiencing financially difficulties, as well as other issues such as staff/volunteer burnout. Tell us how you’re feeling about the future of your business, so that we can find ways to help. Understanding your priorities and concerns will help us to shape our support services and influence policy makers.





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