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.

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13 May 2024

Pioneering Community Shop Opens in West Sussex

Woodgate Community Shop Opening – Credit: Andrew Ogilvy Photography A pioneering community-owned shop, placed at the heart of Thakeham’s Woodgate development near Pease Pottage in West Sussex, has opened its...

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07 May 2024

Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Rural Digital Inclusion

In an increasingly digital world, rural areas in England still face significant barriers to digital access and inclusion. “The Economic Impact of Digital Inclusion in the UK“, a report recently...

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07 May 2024

Unlocking Potential for National Prosperity in Rural England

This past Bank Holiday weekend, while numerous families ventured to the serene landscapes of England’s rural and coastal areas, it marked not just a period for relaxation but also a...

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01 May 2024

Pub is The Hub works in partnerships to support pubs and rural areas

Pub is The Hub has been working in collaboration and partnership with a range of organisations to support rural pubs, publicans and their communities with different activities. A new gardening...

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29 Apr 2024

Strengthening Rural Economies: Insights from the RSN Seminar

Last week, we hosted an engaging seminar on Rural Economies for our members. This event, featured expert speakers who discussed key issues affecting rural communities in the UK, sparking engaging...

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29 Apr 2024

Empowering Rural Councils to Address Housing Crisis and Protect Communities

The housing crisis in rural England has sparked debate over the impact of second homes and holiday lets on local communities. A recent BBC report sheds light on the growing...

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29 Apr 2024

Implications of University-Related Migration for UK’s Rural Areas

Considering recent findings from the research titled “The gainers and losers from the United Kingdom’s university-related migration: A subregional analysis of Graduate Outcomes Survey data” published by The Higher Education...

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22 Apr 2024

Community Ownership: Empowering Rural Communities in England

Plunkett UK, a charity supporting community ownership across the UK, has released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting the transformative effect of community-owned businesses in rural areas. In this article, the...

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22 Apr 2024

The Impact of Fines on Log Burner Users in Rural Communities

Recent regulatory measures in South Gloucester, as recently reported by The BBC, including fines for certain log burner uses, have sparked a significant debate, especially within rural communities. These regulations...

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15 Apr 2024

Faster Broadband Expansion in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

In a significant boost for digital connectivity in Cornwall, Wildanet, a local contractor, has been awarded a £41 million contract to deliver gigabit-capable broadband across rural areas of East Cornwall,...

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