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.
03 Feb 2025
Concerns Over Final Local Government Finance Settlement’s Impact on Rural
As the Final Local Government Finance Settlement has now been published, the Rural Services Network (RSN) expresses deep concern over the allocation of government funding. The settlement fails to ensure...
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03 Feb 2025
ACS Report: Urgent Support Needed for UK’s Vital Rural Convenience Stores
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has celebrated the investment, community contribution and range of services provided by the UK’s almost 19,000 rural convenience stores, despite significant challenges ahead. The...
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03 Feb 2025
Urgent Call to Address Rural Poverty in Britain
A recent report from the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), authored by Mark Shucksmith, Emeritus Professor at Newcastle University, and Jane Atterton, Head of the Rural Policy Centre...
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27 Jan 2025
Transport East Summit Calls for Increased Investment
Transport East hosted its 2025 Transport Summit in Ipswich earlier this month, bringing together senior business leaders, MPs, government officials, and transport experts to discuss the critical role of transport...
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20 Jan 2025
Election Postponements Requested by Eighteen Local Councils Amid Governance Overhaul
Eighteen local councils in England have formally requested to delay their upcoming May elections until next year to facilitate significant structural changes to local government. The proposed postponements are intended...
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20 Jan 2025
Norfolk Calls For Agri-Food To Be Priority Sector In Modern Industrial Strategy
Agri-food’s omission from the list of growth-driving sectors in the Modern Industrial Strategy (MIS) could hamper future opportunities for clean energy and other key sectors, Norfolk County Council and partners...
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14 Jan 2025
Government’s Response to Rural Services Network: Industrial Strategy Update
The government recently addressed the Rural Services Network’s (RSN) concerns regarding the new Industrial Strategy, which had been perceived as overlooking the potential and needs of rural areas. The response...
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14 Jan 2025
Addressing Rural Connectivity: Challenges and Progress
The plight of poor digital connectivity in rural UK remains a significant barrier for over half a million businesses, as detailed in a recent article published by Countryside Alliance. These...
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13 Jan 2025
New Deputy CEO Appointed At Plunkett UK
Harriet English has recently been announced as the new Deputy Chief Executive at Plunkett UK, the national charity that supports rural community businesses. Harriet has worked with Plunkett for 16...
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06 Jan 2025
Growing the Rural Economy: Insights from the House of Lords Debate
On the last day before the festive recess, the House of Lords held a significant debate, initiated by the Lord Bishop of St Albans, focusing on the crucial role and...
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