Our business plan outlines our aims and objectives for 2024-2027.

Our Mission

The CCPS mission is to secure The Countryman’s Inn as a thriving community owned enterprise by serving the community both as a pub and a broader community asset in perpetuity.

Whilst we have secured The Countryman’s Inn with the generous support of the community, the mission is still ongoing; the pub will serve the community, not just as a pub, but as a broader community asset in perpetuity. Our new business plan aims to set out how we will achieve this over the next three years, focusing our efforts and resource on key areas that will ensure The Countryman’s Inn continues to serve the community in years to come.

Our Achievements

Our original business plan and proposal set out some key objectives:

• Food Provision: Through the securing of grants and hard work undertaken by the committee, we were able to fully refurbish the kitchen which has allowed the tenants to now offer food six days a week.
• Use of Local Produce: Thanks to the installation of new pumps and lines, the tenants have been able to offer ales from local breweries such as Pennine and Wensleydale. Local food suppliers, such as Yorkshire Dales meats also supply the pub with produce.
• Letting Rooms: Work is underway to create further letting rooms which the tenants can utilise and rent out to the public.
• Wider Selection of Ales and Wine: The tenants have done an excellent job in securing a wide variety of ales, frequently changing to offer customers great choice.
• Events: Coffee mornings have continued, and numerous events have been undertaken since the community took ownership of the pub.

However, some proposals haven’t come to fruition such as shop, parcel and newspaper collection. Whilst these haven’t been achieved, it must be noted that some may not be financially viable or something that we will continue to review.

Our Future

• This business plan has been designed to give us direction and purpose for the following three years.
• It has three core aims that underpin everything we do.
• Within those core aims are objectives, and then key results that help establish how we will meet those objectives.
• Our business plan is not an exhaustive list of what we aim to achieve, but rather outline what our priorities are, and act as a way to measure our success.

Core Aim 1: Building Resilience

In the wake of the pandemic, British pubs have faced hurdles in recovering from the aftermath of restrictions, lockdowns, and a decline in foot traffic. Amidst economic uncertainty, escalating operational costs, and the strain of aging infrastructure, it’s becoming increasingly difficult operate. Given the pivotal role pubs play in the community, it’s important that The Countryman’s Inn remains in community ownership, ensuring its continued positive impact on the local residents. To deal with challenges of uncertainty and risk, it is essential to increase both financial stability and asset resilience.

• Objective 1: Build and maintain sufficient reserves to reduce the impact of unexpected costs and increase financial security.
  • Key Result 1: Accrue reserves of £15,000 in year one, increasing to £25,000 by year three.
• Objective 2: Develop and maintain a reserve shareholding list.
  • Key Result 2: Register 10 members on the reserve list by the end of year one.
  • Key Result 3: Determine and publish the limit on withdrawals each year, ensuring the society has sufficient funds to meet requests.
• Objective 3: Explore and leverage additional funding channels, including grants, to further enhance and upgrade The Countryman’s Inn.
  • Key Result 4: Research and evaluate options for additional funding and grants twice yearly, sharing findings and recommendations with the committee for further consideration.
• Objective 4: Prioritise the maintenance of key equipment and implement regular testing and surveying to maintain structural integrity of The Countryman’s Inn.
  • Key Result 5: Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of regulatory and insurance requirements, conducting annual reviews to guarantee the building’s optimal condition and adherence to all relevant requirements.
• Objective 5: Identify and prioritise key areas for improvement within the pub, with a focus on initiatives that contribute to the longevity and security of the building.
  • Key Result 6: Establish a bi-annual priority list for improvements, scoring each on their impact, cost, environmental benefit and viability.

Core Aim 2: Promoting Sustainability

With the ongoing climate crisis and escalating energy costs, it is important that we actively pursue opportunities to enhance the energy efficiency of the pub, thereby reducing dependence on a volatile energy market. As a community hub, it is equally crucial that we serve as a role model by championing green initiatives, both within the pub and across the society.

• Objective 1: Secure grants and funding opportunities to facilitate the implementation of energy efficiency enhancements within the pub premises.
  • Key Result 1: As part of our annual funding evaluation, have a section on grants and financial support for the implementation of energy efficiency enhancements.
  • Key Result 2: Create a role within the membership committee to actively research and pursue self-sufficiency initiatives in year one.
• Objective 2: Adopt and encourage sustainable practices to reduce the society’s environmental impact.
  • Key Result 3: Transition to a paperless environment for all meetings and society activities by exclusively adopting digital solutions, wherever possible.
  • Key Result 4: Reduce the environmental impact by minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill and maximising recycling opportunities.
  • Key Result 5: Upgrade all windows.
  • Key Result 6: Plant 10 trees in the grounds of The Countryman’s Inn.

Core Aim 3: Benefitting the Community

As a community owned pub, it goes without saying that The Countryman’s Inn is for – and should benefit – the  local community. Whilst the pub is a vital asset, it must not be forgotten that the community’s support is paramount to the success of The Countryman’s Inn. Enhancing accessibility guarantees that everyone, regardless of abilities, can participate in and enjoy pub activities. Moreover, the society’s commitment to community benefits, through events and initiatives, ensures the pub remains a vital hub for social connection, bolstering the overall well-being of our diverse and inclusive community. And lastly, it’s important that we listen and collaborate, actively engaging with our tenants and members on a regular basis, ensuring that The Countryman’s Inn continues to meet the needs of those around us.

• Objective 1: Listen and respond to our members, regularly reviewing their needs to better serve the community.
  • Key Result 1: Conduct annual member sessions, gathering feedback on community needs for further consideration and implementation.
  • Key Result 2: Develop and dispatch a community newsletter on a quarterly basis, listing all upcoming events, progress on projects and other pertinent information.
• Objective 2: Increase the diversity of our membership committee, encouraging those from diverse backgrounds to join and partake in society activities.
  • Key Result 3: Improve gender ratio in the membership committee.
  • Key Result 4: Develop and regularly review committee role profiles, clearly defining responsibilities setting expectations for prospective committee members.
• Objective 3: Improve accessibility.
  • Key Result 5: Improve access to the rear of the pub.
  • Key Result 6: Modify toilet facilities to accommodate individuals with additional mobility needs.
  • Key Result 7: Add accessible seating to outside spaces to accommodate individuals with mobility devices.
  • Key Result 8: Enhance the society’s website to ensure it meets WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
  • Key Result 9: Offer large print for any membership documentation.