As 2026 begins, there is a growing sense that placemaking in the UK is at a crossroads. The pressures are obvious. Public services are stretched thin. Inequality is deeply entrenched. Too many strategies look impressive on paper yet fail to change how places actually feel or function for the people living there. What’s less often acknowledged is why this keeps…
Across the country, there is growing investment in wellbeing hubs — centralised spaces designed to bring services together and offer a visible access point for health, wellbeing and prevention. This direction of travel aligns with wider NHS and Integrated Care System (ICS) ambitions to simplify access, reduce fragmentation, and support earlier intervention. In many contexts, these hubs have clear benefits….
In recent years, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) has gained increasing attention across the UK as an alternative to deficit-led models of community support. Rather than starting with what communities lack, ABCD focuses on recognising, connecting and strengthening the assets that already exist — people, relationships, skills, organisations and local enterprise. Within this context, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a…
Early signals emerging from the evolving structure of NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) suggest a renewed and sharpened focus on population health management and addressing entrenched health inequalities. For those of us working in community-led development and placemaking, this is not only encouraging—it’s a call to action. At All About The Place, our mission has always been to help communities…
Community-led innovation has the potential to transform local economies, empower residents, and create long-term social value. Yet, as I have experienced firsthand, securing funding for these initiatives remains a significant challenge. The current funding landscape is riddled with gaps, making it incredibly difficult for entrepreneurial community projects to get off the ground. The Public Sector’s Limited Approach Despite acknowledging the…
As we approach the Labour Chancellor’s first UK budget, it is concerning that little recognition is being given to the persistent shortcomings of growth-focused policies that rely on ‘trickle-down’ economics. The worsening cost-of-living crisis, rising food insecurity, and unaffordability of essentials highlight the inadequacy of these approaches for the majority. Meanwhile, sectors like supermarkets continue to report profits fuelling steady…
Non-profit organisations are vital in place regeneration projects aiming to revitalise and improve underused or neglected areas. These projects often bring significant social, environmental, and economic benefits to communities. However, non-profits frequently face substantial challenges accessing land leases necessary for these initiatives. A primary obstacle is the prolonged delay in local authority decision-making on land lease tenders and planning permissions….
Starting a new venture requires substantial investment, whether a commercial business or a non-profit social enterprise. However, the pathways to securing this investment differ significantly between these entities. In the UK, commercial companies often have access to various early-stage seed funding options, while non-profit social enterprises typically face more significant challenges in securing similar financial support. This article explores these…
The debate over the renationalisation of utilities such as water companies has gained momentum in recent years. Advocates argue that bringing these essential services back under public ownership can lead to better outcomes for consumers, the environment, and the economy. One innovative approach to renationalisation is adopting cooperative and public consumer-based membership business models. This model not only aligns the…
Nestled in the heart of London, where towering skyscrapers and luxurious developments symbolise wealth and affluence, Coin Street is a remarkable example of how social housing and enterprise can thrive amidst an environment primarily driven by wealth creation. Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB) has transformed this area into a vibrant, inclusive community, demonstrating that sustainable living and social equality are…
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