The National Rural Conference 2025

Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!

Rural areas need specific policies

A comment piece in Forbes argues that more must be done to encourage innovation and economic growth in rural areas.

The author cites a recent study from the University of East Anglia and De Montfort University that argues for specific new policies designed for innovation in rural areas, as opposed to simply adapting existing policies that were created for urban areas.

The report suggests, for example, that many of the unique characteristics of rural locations, such as natural beauty and traditional heritage are not factored into policies designed to encourage and support entrepreneurship. He continues to say that this focus on urban areas contributed to the Brexit vote as residents of smaller towns and rural areas felt ignored and over shadowed.

Full article:

? Forbes - Why Understanding People Is The Key To Supporting Rural Innovation