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.
13 Feb 2023
Owners of rural pubs say their industry is ‘at risk’ due to rising costs
ITV news reports that owners of rural pubs and restaurants have been saying their industry is “at risk” because of the cost-of-living crisis One landlord near Taunton has seen numerous...
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06 Feb 2023
The challenges and opportunities for community businesses in 2023
The views of Plunkett’s members, partners and other sector representatives. 2023 is the first year where Plunkett’s new 5 year strategy has been embedded in our business plan and will feature across...
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06 Feb 2023
Cumbria Council submits bid for Lake Line improvements
The BBC reports that improvements to a Lake District railway line could massively increase the number of services, according to Cumbria County Council – which has submitted a bid to...
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06 Feb 2023
Support needed to help rural areas level-up and boost Cumbria’s economy
ITV news reports that there are increasing calls for more Government support to help boost Cumbria’s economy Rural areas are 19% less productive than the national average according to the...
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06 Feb 2023
‘Overpromising’: Report warns ‘finite land’ could complicate food, climate, and nature demands
Business Green reports that according to the Royal Society, government ambitions to boost food production, while simultaneously reserving more areas for nature protection and fighting climate change, risks “overpromising” finite...
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02 Feb 2023
Reflecting on success of Rural Catalyst Conference
A video has been released about a conference which championed the rich diversity of the rural economy and rural businesses’ ability to be resilient and adapt in response to crisis....
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30 Jan 2023
MPs urged to support rural shops pledge
Launched last week, the 2023 Rural Shop Report (produced by the Association of Convenience Stores ACS) demonstrates the close links that rural retailers have with their communities, their importance as...
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23 Jan 2023
Levelling Up Funds announced
On 18th January 2023, the Government announced allocations to more than 100 projects who were awarded funding as part of Round 2 of the Governments flagship Levelling Up Fund to...
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12 Dec 2022
Rural Economy Spotlight – December 2022
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities UK Shared Prosperity Fund expenditure gets...
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07 Nov 2022
Cost-of-living crisis in the countryside
The below article written by RSN Chair Cecilia Motley is featured in this months Local Government First (click here to view this article). (NB it was written for publication before Liz Truss...
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