23 Jun 2026
A new report from the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) and the North Pennines National Landscape has highlighted the support needs of women-led businesses across the North Pennines, identifying opportunities to strengthen innovation, enterprise and business growth in rural areas.
The findings are based on a series of Rural Women in Enterprise events held across Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria in March 2026. The events brought together women running a wide range of rural businesses to discuss the challenges they face and the support they need to develop and grow.
Participants identified three key priorities:
- Improved access to business and innovation support, including expert advice, training and networking opportunities.
- Greater personal development support through mentoring and peer networks.
- Increased access to funding for start-ups, business growth, capital investment, training and employment opportunities.
The report also highlighted wider barriers affecting rural women-led businesses, including poor digital and transport connectivity, limited business premises, childcare challenges, remoteness and access to tailored business advice. Participants also pointed to the importance of peer support networks in tackling isolation and building confidence.
NICRE and the North Pennines National Landscape say they are now exploring opportunities to develop a dedicated women in enterprise innovation support programme for the North Pennines, building on lessons from previous rural enterprise support initiatives.
