CHESHIRE has topped a new league table as the best county in England for running a rural business.

An innovation fund worth £5m will boost rural productivity, says the government.

Towns and districts which want to set up special Enterprise Zones have less than two weeks to submit their proposals.

The government has made a further £8m in funding available for rural tourism businesses.

RURAL communities will be allowed to build starter homes for local residents under plans set out in the government’s first ever Rural Productivty Plan.

BUSINESSES and communities in Northumberland can still benefit from nearly £2m of European funding to help create jobs and boost the economy. The Northumberland LEADER Programme for the rural coast

MILLIONS of pounds are available to help small rural businesses reach their full potential, says the government.

THE government has opened a £24m scheme to open opportunities for rural businesses and communities.

NEW guidance aims to help towns and villages show how local markets benefit their economy.

A NEW All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been launched to champion rural businesses.