Trawden community shop shortlisted for national award

The volunteer-run shop has been named a finalist in the Keeping it Local category at the 2026 Rural Community Business Awards, organised by Plunkett UK and sponsored by Co-op.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London on July 2.

The Church Street shop is run by around 90 volunteers and serves as both a convenience store and community hub for the village.

As well as stocking everyday essentials, it supports more than 20 local businesses and producers, helping to reduce food miles and strengthen links within the local economy. The shop also operates a refill station aimed at cutting packaging waste and reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Any profits generated by the business are reinvested back into the community, helping to improve village assets and provide grants to local organisations, including sports clubs and uniformed groups.

The shop has been recognised in the Keeping it Local category, which celebrates businesses making a significant contribution to their local area.

Sarah Benn, Relationships Team Leader at Plunkett UK, said: “It has been inspiring to see so many people nominate their local community-owned businesses, truly emphasising the significant role they play in their communities.

“We celebrate the considerable impact each one is making in its local area and we are looking forward to next month’s awards event when the winners are announced.”

Plunkett UK is a national charity that supports rural communities to establish and run businesses under community ownership. There are more than 850 community-owned businesses operating across the UK, ranging from village shops and pubs to cafes, farms and fisheries.

Trawden Forest Community Shop is open seven days a week and has become a focal point for many residents, helping bring people together while supporting the local economy.