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.
15 Mar 2017
Rural caution over Budget U-turn
The Rural Services Network has welcomed a government decision to abandon a planned increase in national insurance payments by the self-employed. The U-turn by the government came a week after...
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08 Mar 2017
Little joy in Budget for rural business
THE government’s Budget contained little joy for businesses in the countryside, say rural leaders. The Country Land and Business Association welcomed a cap on business rates but said it was...
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20 Feb 2017
Pressure mounts over business rate hike
PRESSURE is mounting over government reforms which threaten to drive up rural business rates. The first revaluation of business rates by the government in seven years will see many businesses...
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13 Feb 2017
Refocus support to boost rural growth
European subsidies should be refocused to unlock wider rural growth after the UK leaves the European Union, says a think tank report. The IPPR North document says key Common Agricultural...
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23 Jan 2017
Rate reform could destroy rural businesses
Rural communities will be among the biggest losers from what is described as a radical reform of business rates. Rural enterprises face some of the steepest business rate rises in...
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23 Jan 2017
‘More help needed for rural shops’
THE government is facing calls to help secure the future of thousands of rural shops. Campaigners say action is needed so 19,128 rural shops can continue to provide essential services....
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15 Nov 2016
Rural Broadband Overview 14/11/2016
The quality of rural broadband provision is a key issue to an area’s economic competitiveness and in providing efficient access to services. This factsheet below uses data collected by Ofcom...
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15 Nov 2016
Rural Mobile Coverage Overview 14/11/2016
The quality of rural mobile phone coverage is a key issue to an area’s economic competitiveness and in providing efficient access to services. This factsheet below uses data collected by...
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04 Aug 2016
Broadband Speed Analysis
Broadband speed – or indeed the lack of it – remains a big challenge for rural business and communities. Many areas are languishing on connections far slower than those available...
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24 Jun 2016
Quarterly Economic Survey (2012)
The Federation of Small Businesses conducts a quarterly economic survey. Our analyses of its findings provide an insight into the rural situation. RSN analysis of the FSB Quarterly Economic Survey...
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