The community anchor model in rural development: lessons from Northern Ireland

Purpose This paper aims to examine the role of community anchor organisations in rural development in Northern Ireland, with a focus on how they contribute to social enterprise growth and post-Brexit governance adaptation. It addresses the underexplored institutional dynamics of rural social enterprise within the shifting UK policy landscape. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on an embedded case study of Glenshane Community Development Ltd, a long-standing rural anchor organisation. Data was collected through document analysis, stakeholder interviews and field observations, drawing on critical institutionalist and rural governance literatures. Findings Community anchor organisations perform vital roles as convenors, service providers and institutional stabilisers in peripheral rural regions. Their locally rooted, relational governance model supports inclusive development but is threatened by funding instability and policy fragmentation post-Brexit. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on a single case study, limiting generalisability. However, its insights can inform comparative work on rural institutional infrastructure and policy design. Practical implications Findings are relevant to policymakers and funders seeking to stabilise rural development infrastructure and promote socially embedded forms of enterprise support. Social implications By supporting participation, ownership and embedded service provision, anchor organisations support social resilience and democratic localism. Originality/value The paper contributes to rural social enterprise literature by theorising anchor institutions as governance actors and identifying their potential within post-Brexit regional development regimes.