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.
23 Aug 2021
End of the landline will hit rural communities hardest
The Farmers Guardian reports that despite the announcement that from 2025 all households and businesses will need the internet to make calls, many countryside communities are still struggling for mobile...
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23 Aug 2021
New £1.6m funding pot to help Stafford Borough businesses prosper
A £1.6 million pound growth fund for businesses across Stafford Borough has been launched Local businesses, and those looking to start, will be able to get a grant of up...
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23 Aug 2021
Rural residents struggling with their internet connection urged to apply for funding
The Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele Journal reports that Denbighshire residents and businesses are being urged to apply for funds to help improve their internet connection The UK and Welsh governments...
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16 Aug 2021
Rural Lens of Build Back Better High Streets
The Government’s recently launched Build Back Better High Streets strategy sets out the government’s long term plan to support the evolution of high streets into thriving places to work, visit...
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16 Aug 2021
Rewilding 5% of England could create 20,000 rural jobs
The Guardian reports the rewilding 5 per cent of England could create nearly 20,000 jobs in rural communities and increase employment by 50 per cent compared with intensive farming, according...
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09 Aug 2021
Cultivating rural growth
Recognising and addressing the post-pandemic rural productivity challenge Recognising rural communities’ specific needs Over the past year, Rural Services Network and its partners have commissioned three studies from Pragmatix Advisory...
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09 Aug 2021
Six ‘must haves’ for Boris’ levelling up vision
This article (written by Nigel Wilcock, executive director of the Institute of Economic Development) appeared in LocalGov Whilst attention this week is on so-called ‘Freedom Day’, those of us working in...
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09 Aug 2021
Project launched to look at running broadband through water pipes
The Government has launched a pilot project exploring the efficacy of fibre optic broadband cables through water pipes to help connect hard-to-reach homes, including those in rural areas The £4m...
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02 Aug 2021
Two million rural homes and businesses to benefit in £5 billion broadband upgrade
The Government has previously announced Project Gigabit, where millions of people in rural England will get access to the fastest broadband speeds on the market as part of a £5billion...
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26 Jul 2021
Cross-Party UK MPs Consult on ECC Changes to Boost Fibre Rollout
The upcoming Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill (TIB) has motivated the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Broadband and Digital Communication to launch a new inquiry examining how reforms to the Electronic Communications...
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