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.

Hot Topics

11 Dec 2017

Rural firms need help to enable growth

FOUR in five rural businesses are embracing the digital economy – but many say lack of training and skills is hampering their growth. E-commerce plays a big role in helping...

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29 Nov 2017

Why rural post offices are essential

Despite changing lifestyles, rural communities are significant users of post offices and clearly value them, says Brian Wilson. It seems reasonable to speculate that post offices have special value to...

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01 Nov 2017

How research affects food and farming

RURAL researchers will visit two farmers’ markets to talk about food and farming – and how their work affects the products we buy. The researchers, from the Countryside and Community...

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23 Oct 2017

Pledge to speed up mobile coverage

The government has pledged to speed up the rollout of faster mobile and broadband services to rural areas. People in areas with poor mobile coverage would soon get a significant...

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20 Oct 2017

Connectivity ‘must be rural priority’

Better digital connectivity is needed to stimulate rural growth, says a report. The study by the South West Rural Commission found huge potential for economic growth – so long as key...

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16 Oct 2017

‘Unique’ rural plan champions potential

Northumberland County Council is spearheading a new initiative to ensure rural areas have a voice in the UK’s economic future. The local authority, in collaboration with Durham University’s Institute of Local...

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09 Oct 2017

Internet giant spurs rural jobs growth

Internet giant Amazon is helping Britain’s rural businesses double their revenue growth, suggests a survey. Small and medium sized rural businesses that export forecast double the revenue growth of those...

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30 Jul 2017

£200m for businesses and broadband

The government has unveiled £200m in grants for rural businesses and broadband projects. Funding for rural businesses would generate more than 6,000 new jobs and support the growth of rural enterprises,...

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17 Jul 2017

Call for Heritage Action Zone bids

A Heritage Action Zone initiative from Historic England is appealing for applications. The organisation says it will “unleash the power” in England’s historic environment to create economic growth and improve...

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13 Jun 2017

Rural conference 2017 focuses on New Routes to Economic Growth

PRESS RELEASEFor immediate release Tuesday 13 June 2017 THE need to focus attention on rural economies and new routes to economic growth are the key themes of the Rural Conference...

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