Plunkett is working with the Community Transport Association to examine the potential for the rural community transport sector to use enterprise-based approaches and, where this is appropriate, to support them to do so.
With funding from the Department for Transport, Plunkett and CTA have conducted the first comprehensive research study of the sector and compiled an evidence-base of the extent to which it already uses social enterprise approaches. The results show that almost all rural CT operators trade to some extent, but there is significant potential for them to increase their long-term sustainability by optimising multiple income streams.
The outcomes of the research, a typology of the sector and case example of enterprising rural Community Transport Operators have been published and can be downloaded from this page.
Plunkett and the CTA have taken forward the findings of the research report in the development of a new three year Social Enterprise Rural Community Transport Development Fund which will be launched on 18th November at the CTA conference with the fund being open for applications on Social Enterprise Day.
For further information on the research project, contact Mike Perry mike.perry@plunkett.co.uk Tel. 01993 810 730. For further information on the Development Fund, please contact Norman Rides, Rural Social Enterprise Programme Manager on 020 7278 2528
Norman@ctauk.org
Files to Download:
• Executive Summary (PDF) 408KB Download here
• Chapter 1, 2, 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Study (PDF) 2MB Download here
• Chapter 4 - A typology of Rural Community Transport Operators in England (PDF) 56KB Download here
• Chapter 5 - Recommendations for rural CTOs, Public Policy-Makers and Support organisations (PDF) 392KB Download here
• Chapter 6 - Outline of a Joint Development Programme (PDF) 64KB Download here
• Annex - Case Examples of Enterprising Rural Community Transport Operators (PDF) 3.1MB Download here
• Download the Full Report - Low Resolution Version 1.3 MB Download here
