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

04 Dec 2023

Somerton & Frome MP reminds government of the real cost of the Rural Premium

The challenges facing rural areas have been repeatedly debated in Parliament this week.  Alongside Chris Loder MP’s debate on funding for rural councils (read what happened here), Sarah Dyke MP...

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04 Dec 2023

Over 15,000 Free to Use ATMs Lost Since 2018

The number of free to use cash machines available in the UK has fallen by almost 30% in the last five years, according to new figures from the Association of...

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04 Dec 2023

Government says thousands of rural properties will have major broadband upgrade

The government has announced that thousands of people across rural parts of Oxfordshire and North East Staffordshire are set to benefit from new lightning-fast broadband. Around 10,000 homes and businesses...

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27 Nov 2023

Autumn Statement 2023: What does it mean for rural?

It’s been nearly a week since the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement and RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth and her team have been digesting what it means for rural communities...

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27 Nov 2023

Rural businesses show resilience, but investment curtailed by rising costs

Rising costs are causing serious and widespread problems for rural businesses in parts of England which is curtailing their ability to invest and grow, according to a major new survey...

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20 Nov 2023

Is the roll out of superfast rural broadband too complicated for users?

MPs and industry leaders have been discussing the challenges facing the roll out of Project Gigabit and superfast broadband across the UK. Chair of the APPG Digital Communications, Selaine Saxby...

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13 Nov 2023

Digital divide between rural and urban area is growing

A new study has been published by the mobile operator, Vodaphone UK, which reveals the gap between urban and rural areas is growing when it comes to reliable connectivity. The...

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06 Nov 2023

Community businesses are committed to social and environmental action

New research by Plunkett Foundation has shown that community businesses are committed to social and environmental action despite facing multiple challenges which are threatening the economic viability of many businesses...

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06 Nov 2023

Improving Broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises

The Government is currently consulting on how to improve broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises. This consultation follows their response in February 2022 to their call for evidence on...

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06 Nov 2023

Join NICRE to explore the state of rural enterprise

The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) will shine a spotlight on how businesses in rural areas are responding to the major challenges affecting the UK economy and the...

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