<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
<title>The Plunkett Foundation news headlines</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/index.cfm</link>
<description>News listing for the The Plunkett Foundation website</description>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 14:07:42 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-gb</language>
<ttl>60</ttl>
<atom:link href="http://www.plunkett.co.uk/index.cfm" rel="alternate" type="text/html" />
<atom:link href="http://www.plunkett.co.uk/cmsfiles/rss/newslisting-0-1-11743.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<item>
<title>Plunkett Foundation launches the first ever Community Shops Fortnight!</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/616</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/616</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 11:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Saturday 23rd June – Saturday 7th July 2012277 rural communities across the UK have something special to celebrate. In a climate that has seen commercial... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>First two Community Rights launched </title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/613</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/613</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government has launched the first two Community Rights designed to give communities more control over where they live, what happens to local amenities, how... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Big Society Capital launched to help finance social and community enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/610</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/610</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government has today launched ‘Big Society Capital,’ set to finance social enterprises and charities with £600m of funding - £400m from dormant bank accounts... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Keep it co-operative in 2012 - Help at hand from Co-operatives UK</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/609</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/609</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 2012 is the United Nations' International Year of Co-operatives, and to help celebrate Co-operatives UK has produced a hige amount of resources and materials, all... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hastoe Housing gives residents a helping hand to set up rural enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/605</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/605</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With the help of Plunkett Foundation, Hastoe Housing Association is offering its residents the chance to win help and support to set up their own... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Post Office Local Announcement - Press Release from Rural Shops Alliance</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/604</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/604</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The recent formal announcement by Post Office Ltd. of their plans for their branch network will lead to some significant changes to the way that... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hill Holt Wood to run free short courses</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/601</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/601</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Social enterprise Hill Holt Wood has announced it will be running free short courses for people inspired by their work.The one-day courses, Introduction to Environmental... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Map reveals rural network areas</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/600</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/600</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A map has been published to show the areas of England that will be covered by Defra’s new farming and rural networks. The fourteen networks... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Leading economist predicts era of 'Co-op Capitalism'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/599</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/599</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Leading economist Professor Noreena Hertz, who for more than two decades has made accurate predictions about economic trends, has named ‘Co-op Capitalism’ as the next... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community-owned shop named Welsh Champion in ‘Rural Oscars’</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/596</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/596</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Cwm Trannon’s vital role in community recognised in Countryside Alliance AwardsA community-owned shop has been named Welsh Champion in the first of the regional winners... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>UK launch date of UN International Year of Co-operatives announced</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/591</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/591</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The co-operative movement in the UK is following in the footsteps of Europe and Canada by kicking off 2012 as the UN International Year of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Book now for the Social Enterprise Exchange</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/590</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/590</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There is only one month left to benefit from early bird rates for the world’s biggest social enterprise event, hosted by Social Enterprise UK and... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New £60k community buying challenge launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/589</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/589</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operatives UK and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) have today launched a new £60k community buying challenge to inspire innovative models for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>First biography of co-operative pioneer published</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/588</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/588</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The first biography of the co-operative advocate Charles Ryle Fay has been published, documenting the unique insight he had on issues of co-operation, workers’ rights... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community enterprises well represented in 'Rural Oscars'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/586</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/586</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The regional finalists of the Countryside Alliance Awards – billed as the ‘Rural Oscars’ – have been announced, with community-owned enterprises being well represented yet... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Construction work begins at community hydro plant</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/583</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/583</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Construction work has begun at Otterspool Weir, site of Stockport’s first community-owned hydro electricity plant.The hydro, built on an old mill site on the outskirts... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community Solar Co-op launches in Leominster</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/582</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/582</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A community in Leominster has joined together as a co-operative to launch one of the first community solar arrays in the UK.The Leominster Community Solar... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New research shows demand for ethical financial projects</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/580</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/580</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ New research from YouGov, released as part of National Ethical Investment Week 2011, shows heavy demand for green and ethical financial products despite the tough... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Wales Conference 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/579</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/579</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Wednesday 16 – Thursday 17 November 2011Richard Ley Centre, Swansea The Wales Co-operative Centre is set to host the flagship conference for the social enterprise sector... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Transforming communities: What are the magic ingredients?</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/573</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/573</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An afternoon of debate and discussion at Locality’s first national symposium on Thursday 22 September at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, London SE1 9NH.Public services... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tibberton Community Shop invites locals to invest in enterprise</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/570</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/570</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Tibberton villagers are being invited to buy £10 shares in their new shop to help pay for it to be built.Those behind the project in... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Cumbrian community celebrates end of fight to save their local</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/569</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/569</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Community-owned pub The Butchers Arms set to open on Saturday 27 August It has been all hands to the pump in a Cumbrian village in... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Yorkshire producers sought for new project</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/568</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/568</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Stockbridge Technology Centre has launched a knowledge transfer project to bring the issues of food security  and climate change to the managers of some food... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social enterprises exploding in most deprived areas</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/567</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/567</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ During a time of national concern over the state of civil unrest throughout the country, especially amongst young people particularly from areas of high unemployment... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural police launch crackdown on gangs who prey on farmers</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/566</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/566</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A police operation has been launched to combat gangs of organised criminals preying on Yorkshire farmers and stealing expensive agricultural machinery which is then shipped as... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Villagers mark shop's ten year milestone</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/564</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/564</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Residents of Lydbury North, a small village near Bishops Castle in South Shropshire, are this year celebrating their community shop’s tenth birthday; certainly no mean... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Interactive broadband map highlights continuing problems in rural areas</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/563</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/563</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An interactive map of the UK has been produced by Ofcom that highlights the continuing issue of lack of broadband access to many rural areas.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rochdale residents unite community through food</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/562</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/562</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A group of people in Rochdale have come together in an attempt to unite the town through food.Maracuja, a co-operative formed by residents in Rochdale,... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Communities to benefit from top legal and finance advice</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/560</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/560</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operatives UK launches ‘most comprehensive’ suite of resources for community enterprisesThe most comprehensive suite of resources ever to be developed for community enterprises has been... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community-owned pub voted Yorkshire's second favourite pub</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/559</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/559</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The first ever community-owned pub in Yorkshire has been voted second favourite pub in the county by thousands of voters. The George and Dragon in... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>HRH The Prince of Wales launches first ever National Countryside Week</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/558</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/558</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ HRH The Prince of Wales has launched the first ever National Countryside Week in an effort to address the ‘deeply concerning’ disconnection between the increasingly... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Manchester-based Co-operative Press unites worldwide co-operators through online news service</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/557</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/557</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Manchester-based Co-operative Press Limited, publisher of the fortnightly and online Co-operative News in England, is developing an online news hub to cover international news on... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Survey to explore rural development networks in the UK and Ireland</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/556</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/556</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Carnegie UK Trust is carrying out a survey to explore rural development networks within the UK and Ireland and would like to explore the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>'Flying Shepherd' takes to the skies</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/555</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/555</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Cybermoor, a community-owned broadband solution based in Cumbria, is working with local farmers to test out cutting-edge technology using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as &quot;eyes... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farming Together: The future of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the UK</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/554</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/554</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 16 September 2011,  9.00am-5.30pmAt-Bristol, Harbourside, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DBAs part of its involvement with Making Local Food Work, the Soil Association is hosting a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Food and Spatial Planning conference - 15th July 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/553</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/553</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Bookings are still being accepted for the Food and Spatial Planning conference, which will be held at University College London on thee 15th of July.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Food mapping survey at Ordnance Survey</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/551</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/551</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ GeoVation, Ordnance Survey’s innovation initiative, runs challenges to address specific needs within communities which may be satisfied, in part, through the use of geography. In... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>BBC Radio 4's Food and Farming Awards</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/552</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/552</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ BBC Radio 4 is gearing up for its 12th Food and Farming Awards, searching for the best, most inspiring food producers, farmers, markets, caterers, campaigners... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hill Holt Wood wins two awards in one week</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/550</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/550</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hill Holt Wood, a community-owned woodland in Lincolnshire, is celebrating after being honoured twice in one week.They were declared the overall winner at the Royal... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operatives Fortnight - 25 June to 9 July 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/547</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/547</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operatives Fortnight is the annual campaign from the UK co-operative sector. It aims to raise awareness of how co-operatives offer a way of doing business... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Great new video of Gawsworth Community Shop!</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/546</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/546</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Gawsworth Community Shop near Manchester recently welcomed a journalist from YourNewsUKTV to spend a day with them, learning about how the shop works and its... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Top awards win for Liverpool community food initiatives</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/545</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/545</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Three Liverpool community food initiatives involved in a countrywide project to encourage people to eat more local food have been honoured in top regional awards... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Lifelong local food supporter awarded MBE</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/544</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/544</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A food producer in Taunton has been awarded an MBE for Services to Food Producing Businesses in the South West in the 2011 Birthday Honours... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community fights for London farmland</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/543</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/543</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A community in London is fighting to save local farmland from being turned into car storage space.Residents of Woodmansterne, near Banstead, are hoping to raise... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Times launches Shop Local Campaign</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/541</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/541</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ National broadsheet The Times has launched a campaign to encourage consumers to shop locally. The Shop Local Campaign, which began on 11 June and runs... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New report reveals rural doubts about Big Society</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/540</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/540</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A landmark survey of the views of rural people has revealed major concerns about the benefits promised by the government’s Big Society agenda. Government plans... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sign up to the ICA UN Year of the Co-operative newsletter</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/539</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/539</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The UN Year of the Co-operative is fast approaching, and co-operatives and support organisations around the world prepare to celebrate it in style. With so... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Guide highlights community assets</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/538</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/538</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new guide details ways of using an asset-based approach to community development.Called Appreciating Assets, the document has been published by the Carnegie UK Trust... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Food and Farming Academy launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/537</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/537</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sparsholt College has launched the Central Southern Food and Farming Academy to boost continued learning in agriculture and the development of new skills. Collectively, with... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Viable mutuals could be suppressed by Whitehall</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/536</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/536</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The government’s drive to encourage public sector staff to set up employee-owned mutuals to deliver services needs stronger support from across Whitehall, an influential group... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community-owned shop in the running for top award - vote now!</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/535</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/535</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A community-owned shop in Petworth has been shortlisted in the Contribution to the Community category of the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2011. Lodsworth Larder... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>'Poppin' to the village shop - 10 years down the line!</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/534</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/534</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Long Marston’s Poppin Village Stores celebrates its 10th birthday in style Poppin Village Stores is set to celebrate its 10th birthday in style on Saturday... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>7 July: Community Shares - The power of engaged equity</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/529</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/529</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Book your place now for the Community Shares Policy Seminar on Thursday 7 July in London.  This FREE event will bring together the findings from... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Special discount for community-owned shops at Co-operative Congress 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/528</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/528</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operativesUK is offering discounted rates to community-owned shops to attend Co-operative Congress, which will take place Friday 24 – Sunday 26 June 2011.  Community-owned shops... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New national social enterprise directory - pre-launch offer for rural social enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/527</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/527</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A ground-breaking national directory for social enterprises will launch this month, with the aim of making it easier than ever to trade with businesses that... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New body to referee between suppliers and retailers</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/526</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/526</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new independent body to adjudicate between suppliers and retailers and protect against unfair practices has moved a step closer. Consumer Minister Edward Davey published... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Mary Portas launches independent review into the state of the high street</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/525</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/525</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Mary Portas has been appointed to lead an independent review into the future of the High Street, The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community-owned shop honoured in Queen's Awards 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/524</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/524</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Yarpole celebrates second national award win this yearA community-owned shop has been honoured in the Queen’s Awards 2011 for Voluntary Service.Yarpole Community Shop near Leominster,... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operative Excellence Awards finalists announced</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/522</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/522</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The finalists for this year’s Co-operative Excellence Awards, sponsored by KPMG, have been announced and include two projects to have received support from the Plunkett... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Red Tape Challenge - your chance to change regulations</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/521</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/521</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Cabinet Office's Red Tape Challenge is an opportunity for the general public to inform the government which regulations are working and which need simplifying... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community food and social housing - event from the Fresh Ideas Network</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/520</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/520</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 11:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Fresh Ideas Network is hosting an event aimed at showcasing and sharing ideas from organisations and projects currently involved in integrating sustainable food projects into... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community Enterprise Now! An East of England Regional Conference</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/515</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/515</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 09:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Thursday 30 June 2011Great Barton Village HallElms CloseGreat BartonBury St EdmondsIP31 2NRDeveloping Community Enterprises in the East of EnglandCommunity Enterprise Now! is a one-day regional... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Localism events for rural Yorkshire communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/514</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/514</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 10:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A series of events is set to take place aimed at informing rural community groups in Yorkshire about the Localism Bill. These events are for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Groundbreaking project maps local food's contribution to economy and communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/513</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/513</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 10:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) today publish six location reports showing the scale and impact of local food webs in towns and cities across... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Campaigners urge public to back British food for Olympics</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/509</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/509</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 11:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A campaign targeting pubs, cafes and restaurants has been launched to encourage them to use more British food during the Olympics.The Must Be British campaign... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operatives unite in effort to bridge gap between rich and poor</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/508</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/508</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An alliance of co-operative businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) launched a new petition on Monday 4 April - the first of its kind - which... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Big Venture Challenge</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/507</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/507</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Big Venture Challenge is a national competition set by UnLtd to find the 25 most ambitious social entrepreneurs in England. UnLtd is looking for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Big Society Awards 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/506</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/506</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  The Big Society Awards were set up by the Prime Minister in November 2010. The aim is to acknowledge individuals and organisations across the UK... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Are you interested in international co-operation? Proposed visit to Swedish consumer co-operative</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/502</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/502</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For anyone interested in learning more about international co-operation, a fantastic opportunity has arisen to travel to Stokholm, Sweden, to meet with co-operators and learn... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Carnegie Trust offers support for not-for-profit organisations to help communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/501</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/501</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Carnegie UK Trust has announced it is able to offer support for public debates run by not-for-profit organisations to help communities address issues of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural areas a test bed for innovative solutions, says new report</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/500</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/500</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ This month, Carnegie Trust UK Community of Practice (CoP) members have published two strong reports based on work undertaken over the last year:'The Power of the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Do you want to help inform Defra's policy making?</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/497</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/497</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Recruitment is currently open for four positions on Defra’ s Civil Society Advisory Board. The opportunity is open to anybody with a strong understanding of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Calling all ethical businesses...</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/496</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/496</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Whether it’s your favourite local grocer or an ethical campaigner you feel is doing their part to promote greener living, your last chance to vote... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Special discount for Plunkett Foundation members at Voice11</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/495</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/495</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ This year’s Voice11 promises to be the biggest yet, with 2,000 visitors, 130 exhibitors and high profile speakers including senior cabinet ministers and prominent members... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural counties 'ready for Big Society'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/494</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/494</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Two rural counties are among those reportedly ready to give people more power to improve their local area.Norfolk and Cornwall will be among the first... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>£10m jobs fund for Scottish social enterprises launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/493</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/493</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Scottish social enterprises will get £10m to train young unemployed people in their organisations thanks to a new version of the axed £1bn Future Jobs... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Awards: Shortlist announced for England heat</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/492</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/492</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Social Enterprise Coalition has revealed the organisations and individuals shortlisted for the England heat of the Social Enterprise Awards.  Winners of the England Awards... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Merlin conjures  up £200m for Big Society Bank</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/486</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/486</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The much-vaunted Project Merlin talks between the government and the UK’s biggest banks have resulted in an extra £200m for the Big Society Bank.This £200m... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Finland tipped to start international roll out of Social Enterprise Mark</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/485</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/485</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Social Enterprise Mark could launch in Finland in the first step of an international roll out.The Social Enterprise Mark Company, which runs the branding... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Communities free to sell local assets</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/484</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/484</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Local people will be able to take control of community-owned assets bought with money from central government. Communities will get the freedom to sell, rent... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Farmers call for action over record fuel prices</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/483</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/483</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Coalition to consider discount for rural areasFarming leaders are putting pressure on the Government to reduce the crippling burden of spiraling fuel costs. In a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Scaling up innovation: Social Enterprise examples needed</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/482</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/482</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government Office for the South East (GoSE) is conducting research as part of a national cross government project and is keen to hear from... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Organic milk healthier, confirms new research</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/480</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/480</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Scientists at Newcastle University have published a report that states organic milk is healthier than its conventional counterpart. The work examined 22 brands – 10... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Taskforce will 'drive' mutualisation</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/479</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/479</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A Mutuals Taskforce that will ‘drive reform’ with the Prime Minister’s backing was announced yesterday and includes some well known names from the world of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Primetime TV slot for The People's Supermarket documentary series</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/478</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/478</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The People’s Supermarket is set to be the subject of a brand new series on Channel 4 starting this Sunday 5 February at 8pm. The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Common Agricultural Policy must encourage farmers to be greener, EU leaders agree</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/477</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/477</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must encourage farming to become greener to guarantee sustainable food supplies, European farm leaders have agreed.At an EU farm council... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Co-operatives UK report reveals stark differences in public opinion between PLCs and co-operatives</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/476</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/476</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Figures published in a new report from Co-operatives UK have revealed stark differences between public perceptions of PLCs and co-operative businesses. Co-operatives are four times... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Global Food and Farming Futures: The Foresight Report</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/475</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/475</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In a report to be published this week, scientists will conclude food production will have to increase by between 70 and 100 per cent over... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canada prepares to celebrate International Development Week</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/474</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/474</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Canada’s International Development Week will this year take place 6-12 February and offers Canadian co-operatives a chance to reflect on the impact they have upon... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Call for more rural support by Commission for Rural Communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/471</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/471</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Voluntary groups need support to build a stronger civil society in the countryside, the government's rural watchdog has warned. The Commission for Rural Communities said... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Imported US model to create tide of new social enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/470</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/470</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A Midlands-based group of seven housing associations has launched an ambitious project to see social enterprises incubated across the UK – using a model imported... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pubs Minister vows to tackle restrictive covenants</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/469</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/469</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Pubs Minister Bob Neill has vowed to take action against companies that sell pubs on the condition they are no longer run as pubs. His... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Another LEP unveiled for North East</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/468</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/468</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The government has confirmed another local enterprise partnership for the north-east of England. The partnership, covering seven local authority areas, joins the 27 partnerships announced... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Miniature Food Co-ops Conference for the Eastern Region</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/467</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/467</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A Miniature Food Co-ops Conference for the Eastern RegionTuesday 25 January, 10:30am – 4:30pm, Museum of East Anglia Life, Stowmarket, Suffolk. Discover what support you... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Future Co-operatives Conference 2011</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/466</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/466</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Future Co-operatives Conference 2011 is running from 28 – 30 January in Swindon and will be on the theme of: ‘Co-operatives &amp; The Big... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pioneering shares scheme breaks the £1million mark</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/465</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/465</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Pioneering shares scheme breaks the £1million markThe pioneering Community Shares scheme issued by FC United of Manchester has broken through the £1million mark – less... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New report puts behaviour change tools and techniques in the hands of communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/460</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/460</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new report launched this week will see the tools and techniques used by government and business to influence our behaviour being made available to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural social enterprise tops national photography competition</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/459</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/459</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ England’s first community-owned farm and a Cumbrian land initiative take first and second placeA community-owned farm in Shropshire is celebrating after topping a public vote... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Key Fund increases its reach across the region</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/457</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/457</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Key Fund, formerly Key Fund Yorkshire, is expanding the scope of its operations to now cover the whole of the North and North Midlands. Key Fund... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Government launches Mutuals Information Service</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/456</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/456</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ On 17th November the Cabinet Office launched the Mutuals Information Service. Co-operatives UK, working in partnership with the Employee Ownership Association and others, will provide... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>footsey 2010 - the social economy trade fair</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/455</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/455</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The ninth annual Footsey trade fair is the key fixture for the social economy in Yorkshire and the Humber and the largest Social Enterprise trade... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New publications from Centre for Rural Economy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/454</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/454</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Researchers at the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University have recently published two new Policy and Practice Briefing Papers - National Parks in England... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Seminar: ‘Mutuals and cooperatives research:  past,  present and future directions’, 1st November 2010, Middlesex University</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/445</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/445</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The ESRC/OCS Third Sector Research Centre and Middlesex University will be hosting a half day seminar on ‘Mutuals and cooperatives research:  past,  present and future... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Good Deals: Social Investment Conference 2010</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/444</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/444</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 15 and 16 November 2010IET London: 2 Savoy Place, WC2Time is running out to take advantage of the great early bird savings for Good Deals... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities outlines priorities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/442</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/442</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has outlined three priorities as the organization winds down.Work on the rural economy, affordable housing and young people will... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>NFU reminds political parties 'Why Farming Matters'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/441</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/441</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The NFU will be reminding politicians of the vital role of agriculture to society during the party conference season.The union has launched the latest in... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Give employees full ownership, says Ed Mayo</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/440</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/440</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, has praised Vince Cable’s suggestion that Royal Mail employees should have an ownership stake in the company but... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>MEPs call for fair food prices</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/437</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/437</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The bargaining positions of all players in the human food chain must be rebalanced, and fair competition enforced by law, to ensure fair returns to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Broadband access is daily struggle for rural communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/436</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/436</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Conservative MP Rory Stewart has warned that inadequate broadband is jeopardising England’s rural communities. Rural people face a daily struggle to overcome the twin challenges... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Network welcomes rural agenda</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/435</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/435</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ England’s biggest rural partnership has called for the implementation of recommendations to realise the economic potential of the countryside. The Rural Services Network made the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Fens Adventurers Rural Development Programme</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/434</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/434</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For those in the Cambridgeshire and West Norfolk Fens area, the Fens Adventurers Rural Development Programme (FARDP) might be of interest. FARDP is a £4m... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Over £1m in loans to support community-owned shops</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/433</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/433</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operative &amp; Community Finance has now loaned over £1m to help support more than 60 community-owned shops throughout the UK in the past two years.The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Second wave of National Survey of Charities and Social Enterprises launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/431</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/431</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The second wave of the National Survey of Charities and Social Enterprises has been launched today (Monday 6 September), giving charities, social enterprises and voluntary... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>International Co-operative Alliance celebrates 115th anniversary</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/430</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/430</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The International Co-operative Alliance celebrated its 115th anniversary this month. Founded on 19 August 1895, the ICA is an independent, non-governmental association which unites, represents... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Countryside Alliance Awards 2010 now open for nominations</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/429</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/429</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The 2010 Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed &quot;The Rural Oscars&quot; have opened to nominations. The Awards are the Countryside Alliance's annual celebration of rural skills, produce,... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities call for evidence on rural aspect of Local Enterprise Partnerships</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/428</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/428</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government has invited local authorities to submit proposals to form Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) by 6 September 2010.  It is envisaged that LEPs will... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Views sought on a draft food strategy for Wales</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/427</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/427</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Welsh Assembly Government is currently seeking people’s views on the draft food strategy for Wales, 'Food for Wales, Food from Wales 2010-2020'. To complement... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>British Food Fortnight 2010: 18 September - 3 October </title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/426</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/426</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Now in its ninth year, British Food Fortnight is the biggest national promotion of the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain produces. The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wales Co-operative Centre CEO steps down</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/425</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/425</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Simon Harris, Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre, is to step down in October to take on his new role as director for Wales... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Communities Assets Enterprise 2010, 12-14 September 2010, Derby</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/421</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/421</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The DTA conference is the largest community enterprise event in the calendar.  500 community enterprise practitioners and supporters will attend to explore exciting new developments... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Big Society backlash after community-owned pubs fund axed</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/420</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/420</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An emergency summit has been called to help communities trying to save their threatened local pub after the government pulled funding for a support programme.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities call for evidence - contributing to the Big Society</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/419</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/419</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ At a time when organisations and individuals are encouraged to have greater involvement in the running of public services as part of the Government’s ‘Big... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operativesUK responds to government renewable energy plans</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/418</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/418</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operatives UK has responded to the announcement by Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, that local authorities will be able to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Defra launches debate on environmental policy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/417</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/417</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Defra has urged people to get involved in a debate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment.The department has pledged to publish a “bold and... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Latest version of US Rural Co-operatives Magazine now online</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/416</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/416</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The July-August edition of the USDA’s Rural Cooperatives Magazine is now available online. Click on the link below to download the latest edition. Features include... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New free resource for Civil Society start ups launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/413</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/413</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A free online reference tool launched today offers a helping hand for anyone looking to set up a charity, social enterprise or co-operative. Get Legal... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities publish reports on the rural economy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/412</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/412</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The CRC have published two reports on growth in rural England. In the first of these reports, ‘Recovery and growth in rural England: What are... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>State of the Countryside 2010 published</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/411</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/411</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Commission for Rural Communities is today publishing the ‘State of the countryside 2010‘report giving an up to date definitive picture of rural England. The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Office for Civil Society announces priorities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/410</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/410</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Each government department is producing a Structural Reform Plan to identify priorities for the first years of the coalition government and the Cabinet Office is... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Charles Gould announced as new International Co-operative Alliance Director-General</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/409</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/409</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The International Co-operative Alliance has named Charles Gould as Director-General. Mr. Gould comes to the ICA after serving as CEO of Volunteers of America, a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities to be cut</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/408</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/408</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The delivery of public services for which Defra is responsible will be shaken up to line up with the coalition Government’s commitments on service delivery.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Nick Hurd appointed Minister for Civil Society</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/399</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/399</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Nick Hurd will be the minister responsible for the Office of Civil Society, the new name for the Office of the Third Sector, following an... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Cameron and Clegg launch the Big Society</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/398</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/398</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have announced their plans for a new era of people power at the centre of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Defra Ministerial Team announced</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/397</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/397</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ James Paice MP has been appointed as Minister of State and Richard Benyon MP and Lord Henley have been appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretaries of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Communities and Local Government ministerial team announced</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/396</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/396</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As Secretary of State, Eric Pickles heads a team of Ministers: Grant Shapps, Greg Clark, Bob Neill, Andrew Stunell and Baroness Hanham. Biographies and a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Third Sector secondment opportunity - Head of Third Sector, Defra</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/395</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/395</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Defra values its relationships with the Third Sector and is committed to work to maintain and improve these on an on-going basis. Defra launched its... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Open Farm Sunday - 13 June 2010</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/393</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/393</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Farmers across the country are preparing to open their gates on Open Farm Sunday (13 June 2010). The event in 2009 was a fantastic success... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>EVENT: Getting down to business - How to make community food growing projects economically viable</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/394</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/394</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 11:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Friday 25th June, 10.30 - 5.30 School of African and Oriental Studies, LondonLocal Action on Food, London Food Link and SOAS Food Studies Centre are... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Community Awards From Kerrygold...</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/387</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/387</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Because Kerrygold is owned by a co-operative of Irish dairy farmers, they understand that by working together, great things can be achieved. That's why they... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Winners Announced of BBC's Village SOS!</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/386</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/386</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ After months of searching high and low across the UK for the most enterprising rural village ideas, BIG have chosen six winning village business schemes... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Shared Values Unite a Co-operative School with Africa </title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/385</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/385</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Perhaps it is only in the Co-operative Movement that an alliance of shared values could be formed between former members of the armed wing of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>CRC Look Seriously into Mobile Phone Coverage</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/384</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/384</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 16:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Are you or your community affected by a lack of mobile coverage? The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) is investigating how mobile coverage is affecting... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Community Land Trust support for Somerset and Dorset</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/381</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/381</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 13:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Community organisations trying to build affordable homes in the rural towns and villages of Somerset and Dorset are to get valuable business support from a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operatives Europe rescheduled regional assembly 2010</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/380</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/380</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 13:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Regional Assembly will now take place in Brussels on 31 May 2010. A key plenary session will be the discussion of plans for activities... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Broadband boost for remote villages</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/379</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/379</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 13:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Over 140 villagers in remote North Yorkshire are receiving a superfast internet connection that rivals city speeds. The community broadband project is helping to reverse... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social enterprises and co-operatives shortlisted for Observer Ethical Awards</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/378</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/378</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 13:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ After a hotly contested debate the shortlist for The 2010 Observer Ethical awards has been announced. Now in their fifth year the awards pay tribute... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Supporters Direct annual conference 2010 - 'Join the Debate'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/377</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/377</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 13:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Supporters Direct Annual Conference 2010 is being held in London at The Institute of Engineering &amp; Technology (IET London: Savoy Place) on Saturday 12th... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Rural Coalition) </title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/268</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/268</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Since the beginning of 2009, ACRE has worked with a coalition of relevant national organisations to develop a common vision for Rural England, based around... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Ireland) Approval for 'Share Farming' imminent</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/264</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/264</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Irish farmers could soon have the option of joining forces to increase scale by adopting a system of 'share farming'. Teagasc is in the process... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Sustain) An open event for community food projects across the South East</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/263</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/263</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Fresh Ideas Network invites you to discuss and debate the following question:“How do we reach our audiences to make a sustained impact and how... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bill &#x26; Melina Gates Foundation launches Social Investment Fund</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/262</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/262</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ UK charities are among those eligible to apply for loans and investment from world's largest philanthropic trust. The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation launched a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(USA) October is Co-op Month</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/261</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/261</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Since 1930, October has been recognized in the United States as Co-op Month. With donations from co-ops across the country, the National Co-op Month Committee... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Footsey 2009: The Social Economy Trade Fair - 22nd October, Doncaster</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/252</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/252</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  Interested in Social Enterprise? Then you need to be at Footsey. The eighth annual Footsey trade fair is the key fixture for the social economy... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Social Enterprise) Steering group scraps middle tier of new identifier</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/248</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/248</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One of the three proposed tiers of the new social enterprise brand has been scrapped at discussion stage in a bid to give the initiative... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Transition Network) 10 steps to creating a local food group</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/247</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/247</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Tamzin Pinkerton &amp; Rob Hopkins's new book, Local Food, is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in creating a local food group. The book explores... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Safeguarding our soils for the future</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/246</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/246</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Measures to protect and improve our soil to meet rising demand for food and to combat climate change have been unveiled by Environment Secretary Hilary... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Co-operatives Europe) ACT! - Adressing the climate threat</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/245</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/245</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operatives Europe is pleased to announce the launch of a new website http://www.actonclimate.coop  and on-line petition, which launched on Monday 21st September 2009.The website and... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Coalition announces Peter Holbrook as new CEO</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/239</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/239</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC) announced today that Peter Holbrook will become its new chief executive officer following the departure of Jonathan Bland in the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Coalition's elected board in place</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/238</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/238</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Social Enterprise Coalition's elected board is officially in place after voting by the Council has decided six of its members. An additional three appointed... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(RSN) Investigation into State of Rural Services in England</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/237</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/237</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Rural Services Network is conducting an in-depth investigation to detail the State of Rural Services in England. They want your input to help develop... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Good Deals 2009 - The Social Investment Almanack</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/236</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/236</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As the first publication of its kind, The Social Investment Almanack exists to showcase the different types of social investment. It includes the UK's first... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Meeting community demand for allotments</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/235</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/235</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government is urged to dramatically expand the number of public allotments by building on brownfield sites and encouraging landowners to donate unused holdings to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Co-operatives) The Stroud Pound launched in Threadneedle Street</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/234</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/234</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The official unveiling of the exquisitely designed Stroud Pound took place on Threadneedle Street, outside the offices of the Stroud Valleys Project and opposite Stroud’s... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(EC) Mariann Fischer-Boel, DG for Agriculture and Rural Affairs stepping down</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/233</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/233</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Mariann Fischer-Boel has confirmed she is to step down as EU Agriculture Commissioner when the current commission finishes its term later this year. Reports from... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>£70m Communitybuilders Fund opens</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/225</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/225</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The government's £70m Communitybuilders fund, which will help community groups transform into sustainable community enterprises, is now inviting applications.The Adventure Capital Fund (ACF), which manages... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Community Shares: Round two applications now open</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/224</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/224</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Community-owned enterprises can now apply to take part in a Government-funded research project which is looking at new ways for social enterprises to attract more... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities welcomes new Chief Executive</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/223</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/223</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sarah McAdam has now joined Commission for Rural Communities as new Chief Executive. On taking up her new post, Sarah said: “I am delighted to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social enterprise in every school as Ambassadors' target</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/222</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/222</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Every secondary school and sixth form college in England will have its own social enterprise if the Social Enterprise Ambassadors get their way. The ambassador’s... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Rural Services Network) Rural jobs hope amid recession</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/221</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/221</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ People finding work in sparsely populated areas are outnumbering those registering as unemployed. Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities, said &quot;signs of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Benn urges 'radical' rethink in food security</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/212</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/212</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The UK will need to change the way food is produced and processed so that we continue to enjoy healthy affordable food in the decades... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Ambassadors website revamped and relaunched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/211</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/211</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Social Enterprise Ambassadors programme has been revamped, repackaged and is relaunched.New information about the 30 ambassadors and their social enterprises can be found on... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>More Government support for social enterprises in wake of summit</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/210</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/210</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) is developing a social enterprise strategy, which aims to increase the role of social enterprise within the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Get ready for British Food Fortnight</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/209</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/209</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The eighth British Food Fortnight takes place from 19 September to 4 October 2009 during Harvest Festival, the traditional time for celebrating our food. The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Government publishes response to Community Land Trusts</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/208</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/208</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government has published its response to the consultation on Community Land Trusts. It has also published alongside this its response to the consultation on... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>MPs criticise rural 'mainstreaming'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/207</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/207</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ MPs have called for better financial assistance for rural areas. The House of Commons East Midlands Committee scrutinised the work of the East Midlands Development... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Village SOS Applications - Deadline 14 August 2009</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/202</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/202</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Village SOS is searching for six UK villages with a great business idea and six enterprising individuals to act as Village Champions to help them... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Hardship Fund opens for applications</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/201</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/201</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Building on the £42.5 million of measures in the Government’s Real Help for Communities Action Plan, the Hardship Fund offers grants between £50,000 and £250,000... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee launch inquiry into collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/200</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/200</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An official inquiry has been launched into the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain and its implications for the dairy industry. The Environment, Food and... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Defra unveils broadband package</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/199</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/199</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The government has unveiled a £2.6m funding package for rural broadband to be delivered through regional development agencies under the Rural Development Programme for England... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Rural Services Network) Toolkit launched to measure rural sustainability</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/198</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/198</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Experts have devised a new method of measuring rural sustainability. This seeks to address the need for a more sophisticated approach to measure the ‘sustainability’... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(ILO) Co-ops resilient in economic crisis</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/197</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/197</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  A new International Labour Organization (ILO) report provides compelling evidence that co-ops are more resilient than other business models in times of economic crisis.Resilience of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(EFRA Committee) UK should produce more food, more sustainable, says select committee</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/192</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/192</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The UK has a moral obligation to contribute to the global challenge of securing future food supplies, concluded the EFRA Committee in a recent report.The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(CRC) Latest recession report to the Secretary of State: Market Towns</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/191</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/191</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Commission for Rural Communities has submitted its 8th regular report to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the impacts... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(FARMA) More than half of UK households buy direct from the farm</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/190</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/190</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The sixth annual FARMA local food sector tracking survey shows 53% of the population now buy food from direct sales outlets including farm shops, farmers’... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operative Brewery opens another pub</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/189</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/189</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hesket Newmarket Brewery has re-opened the only pub in the nearby village of Melmerby, the Shepherds Inn, helping to revitalize the village, and provide a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>European project to aid rural shops in Scotland and North European Countries</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/188</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/188</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new trans-national project has been launched to aid the survival and growth of rural shops in Scotland and other North European countries.The project, ‘Retail... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Visit the Canadian Co-operative Hall of Fame</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/187</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/187</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Canadian Co-operative Hall of Fame is now a (virtual) reality! Launched at the Canadian Co-operative Association's 2009 National Congress as part of CCA's 100th... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Awards launched!</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/183</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/183</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ From catering to coffee, health care to housing, and recycling to regeneration: social enterprises are businesses trading for social and environmental purposes.The Social Enterprise Awards... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Consumer champion named as Chief Executive designate for Co-operativesUK</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/182</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/182</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operativesUK – the national trade association for all forms of co-operative enterprise – has announced that Ed Mayo is to take over as Chief Executive... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Co-operativesUK) Community Shares: First Successful Projects Announced</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/181</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/181</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The first five community-owned enterprises have been selected to participate in a Government funded two year action learning research project which aims to lead the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(FSB) Report calls for urgent help for village shops and pubs risk closure</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/180</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/180</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As the UK's leading agricultural show welcomes visitors for the final time this week after 160 years, a new Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) report... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Conservative Party launches Rural Action campaign</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/177</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/177</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Nick Herbert and Jim Paice have launched a Rural Action campaign along with an agenda to help rural communities.The campaign has four key aims: to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Message from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on the occasion of the 15th UN International Day of Cooperatives</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/175</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/175</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Message from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nationson the occasion of the 15thUN International Day of CooperativesDriving global recovery through cooperativesThe current... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Message of the International Co-operative Alliance on International Co-operatives Day, 4th July</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/174</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/174</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Message of the International Co-operative Alliance87th ICA International Co-operative Day15th UN International Day of Cooperatives4 July 2009“Driving Global Recovery through Co-operative Enterprise”Co-operatives are more resilient... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Message from Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the Internation Day of Co-operatives on 4th July</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/173</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/173</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ MESSAGE FROM BAN KI-MOON, THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF COOPERATIVES 4 July 2009The first cooperatives were born more than... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) UK Climate Projections 2009 - planning for our future climate</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/169</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/169</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today announced the launch of the UK Climate Projections 2009; a groundbreaking, Defra-funded tool that will help us to understand how... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(CRC) Calling on Govt to lead the way in bridging the gap on Next Generation Access in rural England</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/168</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/168</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  People in rural England are at risk of constantly playing digital ‘catch up’ unless there is a firm commitment to improving communications access warns a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>NCVO and the Office of the Third Sector launch Funding Central</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/167</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/167</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) &amp; The Office for the Third Sector (OTS) have launched Funding Central www.fundingcentral.org.uk the new free website for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Celebrate International Co-operatives Day - 4th July</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/166</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/166</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The theme of international day of Co-operatives 2009 is Driving global recovery through co-operatives. This year's International Day theme focuses on recovery rather than crisis.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Capacitybuilders announce first bursary awards under Phase One of Modernisation Fund Grants Programme</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/165</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/165</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Over 250 frontline third sector organisations across England will benefit from the first £1000 bursary awards made today under the Government's Real Help for Communities: ... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>American co-operatives challenge consumers to eat local</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/164</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/164</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Co-operative Association in America is challenging its consumers and locals to be &quot;locovores&quot; - to eat locally sourced produce as an ongoing staple... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Cross Party Commitment to Co-operatives in Wales</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/163</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/163</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The four political parties at the Welsh Assembly have joined forces to express commitment to co operative solutions to the credit crunch at an event... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operatives 2009 - A Better Way of Doing Business - 26 to 28 June, Windsor</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/162</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/162</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 26 - 28 JUNE, BEAUMONT HOUSE HOTEL, OLD WINDSOR  The premier annual conference for Co-operatives and Co-operators, Co-operatives 2009 is the national celebration of co-operation... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Cabinet Reshuffle</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/155</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/155</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Key Ministerial changes following the recent reshuffle include:- Angela Smith has been appointed as Minister for the Office of the Third Sector in place of Kevin Brennan... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Latest news on Dairy Farmers of Britain</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/154</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/154</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Following Dairy Farmers of Britain going into administration last week, several news releases have been issued by the Farmers Guardian: MILK COMPANIES TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PRODUCERSNFU... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(DoH) Social Enterprise Investment Fund 2009/10 open for business</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/153</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/153</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Social enterprises which improve the quality of health and social care for local communities can now apply for loans and grants from the Department of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Milk Link's solid year of growth and development</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/152</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/152</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Just days after announcing its agreement to purchase Dairy Farmers of Britain’s Llandyrnog cheese creamery, Milk Link has announced its own annual results showing an... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise 'Identifier' Project</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/151</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/151</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Social Enterprise Identifier project (SEI) is a plan to outline the values of social enterprise and promote social enterprise to a wider range of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canadian Co-operative Association's 100th anniversay conference begins today</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/150</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/150</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operators from across Canada and around the world are gathering in Ottawa as the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) celebrates its 100th anniversary at its 2009... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Record number of farms take part in Open Farm Sunday</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/149</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/149</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Thousands of people took to the countryside for a lesson in British farming, as a record number of farms took part in this year’s LEAF’s... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural social enterprise Growing Well's Community Supported Agriculture scheme begins to take off</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/148</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/148</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Throughout May people have been joining Growing Well's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme which will allow local people to buy a share of their weekly crop. They have now... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Dairy Farmers of Britain in receivership: official statement</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/143</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/143</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Stephen Oldfield, David Kelly and Ian Green were appointed joint receivers and managers of Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) today, (Wednesday, June 3). DFOB is... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Landshare launched by River Cottage on Channel 4</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/142</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/142</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Landshare is a River Cottage led campaign which aims to connect those who want to grow their own with landowners who have land for growing.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Eat Seasonably campaign launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/141</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/141</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new Defra-backed campaign called ‘Eat Seasonably’ was launched on 28 May. It aims to introduce people to the benefits of seasonal produce and reconnect... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>BBC launches Village SOS</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/138</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/138</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The search is on for six UK villages with a great business idea that will bring new life to their community. The best ideas will... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(BBC) UK broadband 'notspots' revealed - Cybermoor highlighted</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/137</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/137</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ About three million homes in the UK have broadband speeds of less than two megabits per second (2Mbps) according to research commissioned by the BBC.The... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(CLG) Blears: Community clout crucial to combat downturn</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/136</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/136</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Local communities will be the driving force behind the UK's recovery from global downturn, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said today.In a speech to Parliament she... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(SEC) Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition to step down in October 2009</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/135</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/135</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ After six very successful years leading the Social Enterprise Coalition, Jonathan Bland is stepping down at the end of October to relocate his family to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Online application open for grants from the Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/134</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/134</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ From 1st June to 17th July, third sector organisations with an annual turnover of between £150,000 and £750,000 are invited to apply online for a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Co-operativesUK) Vince Cable to address Co-operatives 2009</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/133</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/133</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Vince Cable MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor and one of today's most popular politicians, will give the keynote address at Co-operatives 2009.The programme for the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>$19.1 million over four years for co-operative development in Canada</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/132</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/132</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) is very pleased with the federal government's decision to renew and enhance the Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI), a program aimed... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Cabinet Office) Government lays out plans to place social enterprises centre stage at Social Enterprise Summit</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/128</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/128</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 15:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The government has set out plans to put social enterprises at the heart of its drive to create new jobs and business through the downturn... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(DCMS) Department for Culture, Media and Sport publishes Third Sector Strategy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/127</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/127</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 15:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has published a third sector strategy. The strategy sets out the Department's vision for its ongoing relationship with... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Future Jobs Fund open for bidding: Social enterprise to be part of £1bn job creation drive</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/126</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/126</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 15:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The bidding process for the Department for Work and Pensions Future Jobs Fund is now open. The Future Jobs Fund is a fund of around... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Minister pledges unprecedented Government support for social enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/123</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/123</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Businesses that provide social value, are to benefit from a wide package of new measures designed to boost social enterprises in creating new jobs, new... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) New Guide to Social Return on Investment launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/122</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/122</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new guide for Social Return on Investment (SROI) is being launched today at the government’s Social Enterprise Summit. The guide will help third sector... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(BERR) Enterprise finance guarantee scheme to extend lending to businesses and social enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/121</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/121</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today announced changes to the Government's Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme to help improve lending to businesses and social enterprises in disadvantaged... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Third Sector Advisory Board meets for the first time</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/120</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/120</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ At the end of last week Defra's Third Sector Advisory Board, which includes Peter Couchman, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation, had their first meeting.See below for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Hilary Benn announces Third Sector task force membership</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/119</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/119</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today announced the 16 members of the new Third Sector Task Force on climate change, the environment and sustainable development.The aim... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Minister calls for Local Statutory Bodies to work more closely with third sector organisations</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/118</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/118</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Today, Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector will publish the full results of the National Survey of Third Sector Organisations. Nearly 50,000 charities, social... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Extra £6.6 million to boost volunteering over the next two years</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/117</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/117</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Office of the Third Sector is today providing details on three new programmes to boost volunteering. Between 2009 and 2011 the Office of the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Jane Kennedy meets devolved ministers to discuss food sustainability</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/116</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/116</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Global challenges such as population growth towards nine billion in 2050 and climate change highlight the need to develop sustainable food policies fit for the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(CLG) Blears Backs 'Revolution to Recycle' Buildings/Asset Transfer Unit launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/113</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/113</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has unveiled a series of measures to back a people's revolution to recycle buildings by putting real power in the hands... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>£15m now available for services supporting local people during the recession</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/112</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/112</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The government’s £15 million Real Help for Communities: Targeted Support Fund (grants element) opens today. Small charities, which offer vital local services to those most... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Defra Third Sector Team's new blog</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/111</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/111</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Defra's third sector team now has a trial blog! You can see it here: http://blogs.defra.gov.uk/3rd-sector/ . Subscribers will be notified of news on an item... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New renewable energy co-operative to support farmer co-operatives in Cumbria</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/110</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/110</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A renewable energy co-operative has announced plans to make energy from farm muck and help boost Cumbria’s farming economy. Community Renewable Energy North West (CoRE... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Benn targets bigger grants for rural businesses</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/109</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/109</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has announced measures to increase financial aid for rural businesses to help them through the economic downturn.  Regional Development Agencies will... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canadian Co-operative Association - Governance Matters</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/107</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/107</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Canadian Co-operatives Association has launched their latest edition of Governance Matters.  In this issue of Governance Matters, they continue their series on board committees... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural People 'Lack Vital Services'</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/108</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/108</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Rural residents often lack vital services when they need them most, the government has been told. People experiencing a major life event - such as... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Support for the Third Sector announced in Budget</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/101</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/101</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Building on February’s £42.5m Action Plan to help support the third sector in recession, today’s Budget announced new support for the sector and for those... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Social Enterprise Summit</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/100</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/100</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Minister for the Cabinet Office Liam Byrne and Secretary of State for Business Lord Mandelson will be co-hosting a Social Enterprise Summit on the afternoon... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) Government backs charity campaigning</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/99</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/99</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office, today announced the first ever government action research programme to strengthen the ability of charities and other third... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) CIC Regulator launches review of dividend cap</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/98</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/98</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ CICs were introduced in July 2005 as a bespoke legal form for social enterprise, combining the flexibility of a limited company with a community purpose.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>You are invited to the Big Lunch - Sunday 19th July 2009</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/96</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/96</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Imagine a summer’s day on which millions of us, throughout the UK, sit down to have lunch together – in the middle of our streets,... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>PRESS RELEASE: Co-operativesUK welcomes legislation reform proposals</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/95</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/95</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operativesUK has welcomed Government proposals for a Legislative Reform Order to update the legislation which governs Industrial &amp; Provident Societies and credit unions in Britain. A... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Two weeks left to nominate for Co-operative Excellence awards</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/94</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/94</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There are just two weeks left for you to make your nominations for the first ever Co-operative Excellence awards.These annual awards recognise and celebrate co-operatives... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Welsh Assembly launch local food and drink action plan</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/92</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/92</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Welsh Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has launched the Local Sourcing Action Plan – Food and Drink for Wales which seeks to assist... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Defra) Skills matter at farming industry round table</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/91</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/91</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Representatives from the farming industry have met with Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to discuss how to improve access to training for 21st-century farming. Mr Benn... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(Carnegie UK) Rural Britain on the frontline of economic fightback</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/90</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/90</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Carnegie UK Trust has recognised five rural champions or ‘Rural Sparks’ from across the country. The nationwide search for ‘Rural Sparks’ unearthed a variety of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operative and Community Finance and Triodos Bank to hold housing co-operative seminar</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/89</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/89</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operative and Community Finance and Triodos Bank are to hold a free seminar on housing co-operatives in Brighton on April 22. The seminar, Homes for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(BERR) Regulator of Community Interest Companies launches review</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/88</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/88</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Community Interest Company (CIC) Regulator has launched a review of the limits on the dividends CICs can pay to their investors. The review aims... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(BERR) Help for employers to prepare for the upturn</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/85</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/85</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  new service providing employers with easy access to free advice and support has been launched as part of the Government's commitment to provide 'real help... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(CLG) Government sets out plans to safeguard future of rural communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/84</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/84</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government has set out its proposals for helping rural communities to thrive in the 21st Century by providing more affordable housing and greater freedom to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(CLG) Blears announces funding for successful projects that will give people a real say</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/83</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/83</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announces today successful third sector organisations - charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises - which are to share multi million funding for... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(OTS) New Building Stronger Communities Taskforce</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/82</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/82</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new Government taskforce has been set up to look at innovative but practical ways that businesses and the third sector can work together to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>March/April edition of USDA's Rural Cooperatives Magazine now online</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/79</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/79</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/openmag.htmThe March-April 2009 issue of USDA's &quot;Rural Cooperatives&quot; magazine has been posted to the Internet. You can access it by using the web link provided... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>(RISE) Consumers demand new ethical logo</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/78</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/78</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Consumers are crying out for a Fair Trade-style charter mark to help them identify social enterprises, according to new statistics from ICM Research.Three quarters of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>  (CLG) Government sets out plans to safeguard future of rural communities</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/77</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/77</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government today set out its proposals for helping rural communities to thrive in the 21st Century by providing more affordable housing and greater freedom... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title> (BERR) Mandelson - Post Office has potential to become &quot;Front Office for Government&quot;  </title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/76</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/76</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today welcomed the news that the Post Office has signed a five-year contract to support DVLA in issuing millions of motorists... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Third Sector Taskforce on climate change and environment launched</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/75</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/75</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new taskforce launched today will help the government and the not-for-profit sector to tackle climate change and environmental issues. The group will be jointly... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Winners of Spark 09 Announced</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/72</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/72</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Congratulations to the 15 winners of Spark 09 who have been chosen to compete for a share of the Spark prizes - £1.6 million to... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New coalition launches Post Bank campaign</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/71</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/71</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A comprehensive proposal for a new 'Post Bank' to run as part of the Post Office Network was launched this week by a new coalition of... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>'People power' can make the most of a £3.9 billion rural fund, inaugral Leader event told</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/70</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/70</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  Local Action Groups (LAGs) across the country are urged to share best practice and pool skills, in order to make the most of a share... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) launched Be the Change Campaign</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/69</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/69</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) has launched Be the Change, a fundraising campaign to support the development of women leaders around the world.   ... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Press Release: UK co-operatives call on governments to put people first</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/68</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/68</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operativesUK is encouraging its members to support calls on G20 leaders, when they meet in London on 2 April, to put people first by providing... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Canadian Co-operative Association celebrates 100 years of co-operation</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/66</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/66</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ In March 1909, the Co-operative Union of Canada – which became the Canadian Co-operative Association in 1987 – held its inaugural meeting in Hamilton, Ontario.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Cadbury Dairy Milk commits to going Fairtrade</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/65</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/65</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Cadbury and the Fairtrade Foundation have announced plans to achieve Fairtrade certification for Cadbury Dairy Milk, the nation’s top selling chocolate bar, by end of Summer 2009.... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Futurebuilders to manage Department of Health Social Enterprise Investment Fund</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/64</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/64</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A consortium led by Futurebuilders England has today been announced by the Department of Health as the fund manager of its £100 million Social Enterprise... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Lian Byrne: Social Enterprises will be at the heart of the new economy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/59</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/59</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office, today predicted a new era of influence for social enterprises as he announced steps to harness the sector... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Government launches real help for volunteers, charities and social enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/58</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/58</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government this week pledged £42.5 million to help volunteers, charities and social enterprises deliver extra real help to those that need it most, during... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Nearly 50,000 charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises have their say on public sector support</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/57</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/57</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Initial results from one of the biggest surveys of its kind ever conducted, are published today. Nearly 50,000 charity, social enterprise and voluntary organisations took... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Credit Crunch and Regeneration: Impacts and Implications</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/56</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/56</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ This publication, produced by Professor Michael Parkinson CBE for the Department for Communities and Local Government, is aimed at regeneration practitioners and policymakers, local authorities,... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Chatham House Report - Rethinking UK Food Strategy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/54</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/54</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The UK food chain needs to be prepared to manage continued volatility in global food markets, says a new Chatham House report. Looking ahead, food... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hilary Benn - Rural businesses vital to rural economy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/53</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/53</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ England’s rural businesses will be vital in helping the country through tough economic times, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said this week.  Mr Benn will pledge... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities - 'People's Bank' could help enhance the role of rural Post offices</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/52</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/52</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) supports Lord Mandelson’s proposal for local post offices to broaden services and enhance their role as the financial hub... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>January/February edition of USDA Rural Cooperatives Magazine now online</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/51</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/51</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ This issue includes the following articles from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Cooperatives Magazine:§         Making a Market – Co-ops facing challenges of global... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Commission for Rural Communities latest report on the rural impacts of the recession</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/45</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/45</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Commission for Rural Communities has submitted the second of their regular reports to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Prime Minister's Christmas Message to the Third Sector</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/44</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/44</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ &quot;As we end the year, I know that many of us have anxieties about what the new year will bring. And I know that many... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>North-South divide blurs as rural deprivation grows</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/42</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/42</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For its latest 'State of the countryside' update on specific rural issues, the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has been looking at how rural places... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>MP's to look at Post Office potential</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/41</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/41</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government and the Business and Enterprise Select Committee will work together to examine what additional services the Post Office can offer customers to help... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Government challenges third sector to lead the way in transforming public services</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/40</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/40</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Minister for the Third Sector has challenged the third sector to show the way in transforming public services.  A series of documents published today... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>USA - November/December edition of USDA's Rural Cooperatives Magazine now online</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/39</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/39</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The November/December edition of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Cooperatives Magazine is now online.  It includes an article on the rewards of community-based... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rural Sparks' launches - Carnegie on the hunt for rural champions</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/38</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/38</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ TV personality Jimmy Doherty is joining forces with Rachel’s Organic founder Rachel Rowlands and the Carnegie UK Trust to recognise unsung rural champions across the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New £1m social enterprise fund in Scotland</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/36</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/36</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A £1 million fund to help aspiring social entrepreneurs launch new ventures is ready to begin operating from March next year.  Enterprise Minister Jim Mather... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Defra - &quot;CAP Health Check deal a step forward but also a missed opportunity&quot;</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/37</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/37</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The agreement reached on the CAP Health Check in Brussels is a step in the right direction of further reform, but it was also a... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>£7m to help social enterprise grow in Wales</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/35</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/35</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Social enterprises in West Wales and the Valleys will benefit from a £7.1 million project to help them grow, the Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Action Plan to Support Third Sector</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/34</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/34</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, has announced his intention to develop an action plan of government support for charities, voluntary groups and social... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Social Enterprise Day 2008</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/27</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/27</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 20th November is Social Enterprise Day 2008. The day aims to both inspire the next generation of social entrepreneurs and celebrate and recognise the work... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Government to launch £25 million fund for Women's Enterprise</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/26</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/26</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government will today (19th November) launch the Aspire Fund - a £25 million investment fund for women-led businesses - to be jointly funded by the... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Defra lauches new Third Sector Strategy and £6m Greener Living Fund</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/25</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/25</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched its Third Sector Strategy along with a new £6 million fund to help third sector... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ruralnet Chief Executive to play key role in Defra's new strategy</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/21</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/21</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Simon Berry, ruralnet|uk’s long standing CEO, is taking a secondment with Defra to work on the delivery of their Third Sector Strategy and Greener Living... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Post Office awarded new POCA contract</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/20</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/20</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Post Office has been awarded the contract to continue providing the Post Office Card Account (POCA), Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Enterprise Week - 17-23 November 2008</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/19</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/19</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Enterprise Week takes place from 17-23 November 2008 with Social Enterprise Day taking place on 20th November. It’s a national celebration of enterprise where thousands... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Bridges Ventures launches £4.25m fund for social enterprises</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/18</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/18</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Bridges Ventures this week announced the launch of the Bridges Social Entrepreneurs Fund, a new fund dedicated to investment in social enterprises. The Fund is... ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Capacitybuilders launch £5 million capital grants programme to develop third sector resource centres</title>
<link>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/16</link>
<guid>http://www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/news-item.cfm/newsid/16</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Capacitybuilders, a non-departmental public body funded by the Office of the Third Sector, has announced a £5 million capital grants programme which will invest in the... ]]></description>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>

