More than 220 community-owned stores have signed up to a new website designed to facilitate information sharing between the UK’s growing legion of community shops.

The site, www.plunkett.uk.net, has a range of forums where retailers can share tips and knowledge on a wide range of subjects including recruitment, employment law, legal and governance, the Post Office and local sourcing. 

The site also provides up to date information on funding and support programs, case studies and news.

“Community ownership is often the only viable option for villages wishing to retain or introduce a local shop, and the network has been established as a direct result of the needs expressed to us by community owned shops,” Plunkett Foundation’s spokeswoman Elizabeth of Mar said. 

“We see the network as a place for everybody involved in the community shop sector to share ideas and best practice, and as a platform to pose questions to other communities and advisors within the sector. This year has seen a record breaking number of openings and plenty more are in the pipeline.”