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.
08 Apr 2024
Royal Mail Proposes Major Service Overhaul Amid Financial Struggles
Royal Mail has announced a proposed overhaul of its service, aiming to address the challenges of plummeting letter volumes and financial losses. The proposal includes maintaining a six-day-a-week delivery service...
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08 Apr 2024
The Closure of Northumberland Banks: A Reflection on Rural Banking Challenges
The impending closure of the last two bank branches in Alnwick, Northumberland — Lloyds and Halifax — scheduled for January 2025, has not only highlighted the challenges faced by this...
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25 Mar 2024
Young People’s Geographical Mobility and Education Outcomes in England
In an exploration of young people’s geographical mobility across English towns and cities, a recent study ‘Geographical Mobility of Young People across English Towns and Cities’ by the Centre for...
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25 Mar 2024
Delivering Rural Opportunity – The Third Report on Rural Proofing
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) released its third Rural Proofing Report last week. The document titled “Delivering Rural Opportunity – The Third Report on Rural Proofing”...
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18 Mar 2024
Survey of Rural Market Town Group Highlights Service Challenges
Earlier this year, we surveyed members of our Rural Market Town Group (RMTG). This initiative aimed to gauge the status and challenges of services in rural areas, focusing on the...
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11 Mar 2024
Spring Budget 2024
The Spring Budget, presented last week by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, has sparked interest and concern among rural communities and their advocates. The Rural Services Network (RSN) has identified areas of...
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11 Mar 2024
Rural Economy Spotlight – March 2024
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Winning the rural vote – unleashing...
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04 Mar 2024
Empowering Communities: Economic & Social Gains of Housing Initiatives
Swift Economic Boost In recently published research by Shelter and the National Housing Federation, executed by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), a compelling case is made for...
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04 Mar 2024
Skills And Labour Shortages Hinder Rural Business Performance and Growth
Labour shortages and skills gaps are major challenges for rural businesses which are hindering their performance and growth potential, according to a major new survey from the National Innovation Centre...
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26 Feb 2024
Winning the Rural Vote: Focus on Unleashing Rural Economic Potential
Each week we are focusing on a different policy area within our ‘Winning the Rural Vote Campaign’ and this week we are exploring the Rural Economy. The economic contribution of...
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