Community business funder Power to Change has appointed its interim chief executive Tim Davies-Pugh to the role on a permanent basis.

He has held the position temporarily since February when previous CEO Vidhya Alakeson stepped down.

Power to Change provides grants to support communities to take over the running of local services and businesses, including pubs, shops, libraries and swimming pools.

“We are living through turbulent times and our work supporting strong, economically resilient, and empowered communities has never been more important,” said Davies-Pugh.

“We know community businesses work and over the next five years, Power to Change will look to catalyse the community business sector, to create the ideas, evidence, and exemplars that can make a case for others to back community business.”

He added: “I’m always inspired when I speak to community business leaders and see the difference community businesses makes to local people on a daily basis.

“From taking on and repurposing empty buildings and making them economically viable; bringing much needed services to a local community; creating good quality local jobs and providing opportunities and spaces for everyone to connect, feel safe and be included - they are vital to the fabric of our society.”

Davies-Pugh is a former director at the National Lottery Community Fund and has also held senior roles at the Cabinet Office and Office for Civil Society.

Power to Change chair Stephen Howard said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tim as our new chief executive. He brings a wealth of experience that will help propel Power to Change forward as we help community businesses face today’s challenges.”

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