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.
06 Nov 2023
RSN to host Net Zero event as part of Countryside COP
The Rural Services Network is pleased to be able to invite you to attend our online event focusing on Net Zero as part of Countryside COP. Taking place on 22nd...
Read more
30 Oct 2023
RSN Member Insight Update
Economy Insight on the RSN website has now been updated with an analysis examining employment landscape at the local authority level. The analysis shows proportions of employees in broad industrial...
Read more
24 Oct 2023
New research shows how community-owned businesses are committed to social and environmental action
Plunkett Foundation’s annual state of the sector report ‘Community Ownership: A Better Form of Business’ shows that despite facing significant challenges because of the cost-of-living and energy price crises, the...
Read more
24 Oct 2023
Invaluable role of Pub is The Hub in helping pubs to diversify their services and support people in rural communities highlighted in new report
Pub is The Hub has been featured in a new Localis report calling for more pub diversification support. In the report, commissioned by the British Beer & Pub Association and...
Read more
23 Oct 2023
Proposals unveiled for positive change in the rural economy
A series of policy recommendations to advocate for positive change in the rural economy, has been published by the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) at Newcastle University. To mark three...
Read more
02 Oct 2023
RSN backs calls for more support for village pubs
A new report from the independent, not-for-profit think tank, Localis reveals the true social and economic value pubs bring to communities across England. Inn-valuable has looked at both first-hand evidence and...
Read more
02 Oct 2023
Government’s new transport proposals divide opinions
The government’s announcement hailed as a “plan for motorists” has been met with mixed reviews. The “long-term plan to back drivers” details measures which include: Reviewing guidance on 20mph speed...
Read more
25 Sep 2023
Natural England critised for hindering rural businesses
St Ives MP, Derek Thomas has criticised Natural England’s approach to Sites of Special Scientific Interest in his constituency. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Thomas told MPs that...
Read more
19 Sep 2023
RSN National Conference 2023: And we are off!
Our annual conference has started with a bang this year thanks to all our fantastic speakers and delegates. Speaking after the second day, RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth said: “So...
Read more
11 Sep 2023
Barclays becomes the latest bank to close rural branches
Barclays has announced it is to close at least 180 of its branches in the next 2 years, more than a third of its entire UK networks. The news comes...
Read more