Rural Economies

Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity, and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.

Hot Topics

28 Oct 2024

Rural must be at the table to discuss growing the economy

Sharing the stage with a Minister, last week Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth stressed the importance last week of rural organisations being at the table to contribute to...

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28 Oct 2024

Community Ownership: A Growing Movement That Is Bucking The Trend

Community-owned businesses are growing in number and remain a robust, sustainable model, according to research published this week by Plunkett UK. According to Plunkett’s Community Ownership: A Better form of...

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23 Oct 2024

Cash Solutions for rural businesses with SMEB Cube

Bringing cash services back to rural communities is what SMEB is undertaking with its payment Cube. Local businesses can sign up to the service and as the Cube is designed...

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23 Oct 2024

A new Government and potential new issues for small business

As the new government settles into place, gets down to business, and with its first Budget looming on the horizon, there’s a lot of interest from our Forum members and...

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23 Oct 2024

Youth Voice Census 2024: The Growing Challenge Of Finding Local Opportunities

Over 5,000 young people aged 11-30 completed the annual Youth Voice Census in 2024. This census is a deep dive into how young people in the UK feel about their...

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23 Oct 2024

Rural business insights showcased by NICRE

The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has produced two new videos demonstrating how firms are adapting and innovating in an ever-changing business environment. The rural business insights films...

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23 Oct 2024

Heart of the community: Mid Glamorgan pub supports local people with community and charity events

The White Cross Inn in Grosewen, near Caerphilly, is supporting its local community by running a variety of events to help bring people together, raise money for charity and tackle...

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23 Oct 2024

Creating more choice of care and support in Westmorland and Furness

The area of Westmorland and Furness is a historic and scenic county of northwestern England. Geographically the third largest local authority in England, it is home to approximately 225,000 people....

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23 Oct 2024

FARM FORWARD demo events to explore the power of wireless technologies in agriculture

Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm is excited to announce a series of FARM FORWARD Demonstration Events that will showcase the transformative potential of wireless technologies in agriculture. Funded by the River...

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21 Oct 2024

Opportunities For North East Rural Economy Spotlighted

The opportunities presented by regional devolution and the Government’s emerging programme of work to further recognise and unlock the potential in the North East rural economy were spotlighted at an...

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