Rural Business
Our work on Local Government Finance is split into two areas, the Fairer Funding campaign and a financial analysis of local authority budgets.
08 Jun 2012
Rural retailers slam shops strategy
A GOVERNMENT strategy to support local shops does not go far enough, claim rural retailers. The document – Parades to be Proud of: Strategies to support local shops – was...
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24 May 2012
Digital divide bad for rural business
THREE in five rural businesses are dissatisfied with their broadband speeds, reveals a study. Businesses are suffering with the slow speed of their broadband, says the Federation of Small Businesses...
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17 May 2012
South-west showcase for business
RURAL businesses in south-west England show it is possible to innovate and grow, believes DEFRA secretary Caroline Spelman. Mrs Spelman’s held a rural roadshow at the Devon County Show on...
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14 May 2012
Study set to revitalise cod fishing
THE Countryside and Community Research Institute is examining the impact of different practices on cod fishing. Based in Gloucestershire, the CCRI is undertaking the research for the North Sea Regional...
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11 May 2012
Rural grant scheme oversubscribed
THE government’s £60m rural economy grant scheme has been massively oversubscribed. Hundreds of applications were sent to Defra by the 30 April deadline, with total grants requested dwarfing available funds....
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10 May 2012
Rural broadband fund reopens
RURAL communities have a second chance to apply for rural broadband funding. It aims to help communities in the remotest areas get superfast broadband to help transform their businesses and...
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23 Apr 2012
Rural economic growth ‘remains fragile’
LOWER investment in rural business over the next 12 months could lead to restricted growth, say analysts. The Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the countryside during...
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15 Apr 2012
Petrol ‘more pressing than broadband’
FUEL prices have overtaken slow broadband as the biggest rural issue, a computer guru has warned. Petrol prices are the critical issue facing rural businesses, said internet boss Chris Stanbury,...
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10 Apr 2012
Grants ‘boost 1000 rural businesses’
ONE thousand rural businesses will benefit from the first grants under a new government scheme, claim ministers. The £20m Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme will turn business plans into reality,...
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10 Apr 2012
‘Don’t miss rural grant deadline’
RURAL businesses have until the end of the month to apply for the first round of funding from a major new grant scheme. The Rural Economy Grant is aimed at...
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