Business
28 Jul 2012
Study probes rural business performance
THE government’s rural watchdog is looking at how small rural businesses have fared during the economic downturn. The Commission for Rural Communities is embarking on a three-month project looking at...
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27 Jul 2012
Wet summer costs rural economy £240m
BRITAIN’S wet summer is set to cost the rural economy £240m due to cancelled events, according to forecasts. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) arrived at the figure after...
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04 Jul 2012
New life for old rural buildings
PLANS to help bring empty and redundant rural buildings back into productive use have been unveiled by the government. The proposals would make it easier to re-use existing agricultural, retail...
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08 Jun 2012
Rural retailers slam shops strategy
A GOVERNMENT strategy to support local shops does not go far enough, claim rural retailers. The document – Parades to be Proud of: Strategies to support local shops – was...
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24 May 2012
Digital divide bad for rural business
THREE in five rural businesses are dissatisfied with their broadband speeds, reveals a study. Businesses are suffering with the slow speed of their broadband, says the Federation of Small Businesses...
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17 May 2012
South-west showcase for business
RURAL businesses in south-west England show it is possible to innovate and grow, believes DEFRA secretary Caroline Spelman. Mrs Spelman’s held a rural roadshow at the Devon County Show on...
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14 May 2012
Study set to revitalise cod fishing
THE Countryside and Community Research Institute is examining the impact of different practices on cod fishing. Based in Gloucestershire, the CCRI is undertaking the research for the North Sea Regional...
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11 May 2012
Rural grant scheme oversubscribed
THE government’s £60m rural economy grant scheme has been massively oversubscribed. Hundreds of applications were sent to Defra by the 30 April deadline, with total grants requested dwarfing available funds....
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10 May 2012
Rural broadband fund reopens
RURAL communities have a second chance to apply for rural broadband funding. It aims to help communities in the remotest areas get superfast broadband to help transform their businesses and...
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23 Apr 2012
Rural economic growth ‘remains fragile’
LOWER investment in rural business over the next 12 months could lead to restricted growth, say analysts. The Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the countryside during...
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