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.
04 Nov 2024
Rural Services Network Urges Government to Rethink Bus Fare Increase in Rural Areas
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is expressing significant concern following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to increase the national bus fare cap to £3 until the end of...
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04 Nov 2024
Government Confirms £50 Million Investment in Medicines Manufacturing
The Government has announced a substantial £50 million investment to create a new facility dedicated to the manufacturing of lifesaving medicines, which will serve the National Health Service (NHS) and...
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28 Oct 2024
Rural must be at the table to discuss growing the economy
Sharing the stage with a Minister, last week Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth stressed the importance last week of rural organisations being at the table to contribute to...
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28 Oct 2024
Community Ownership: A Growing Movement That Is Bucking The Trend
Community-owned businesses are growing in number and remain a robust, sustainable model, according to research published this week by Plunkett UK. According to Plunkett’s Community Ownership: A Better form of...
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23 Oct 2024
Cash Solutions for rural businesses with SMEB Cube
Bringing cash services back to rural communities is what SMEB is undertaking with its payment Cube. Local businesses can sign up to the service and as the Cube is designed...
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23 Oct 2024
A new Government and potential new issues for small business
As the new government settles into place, gets down to business, and with its first Budget looming on the horizon, there’s a lot of interest from our Forum members and...
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23 Oct 2024
Youth Voice Census 2024: The Growing Challenge Of Finding Local Opportunities
Over 5,000 young people aged 11-30 completed the annual Youth Voice Census in 2024. This census is a deep dive into how young people in the UK feel about their...
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23 Oct 2024
Rural business insights showcased by NICRE
The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has produced two new videos demonstrating how firms are adapting and innovating in an ever-changing business environment. The rural business insights films...
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23 Oct 2024
Heart of the community: Mid Glamorgan pub supports local people with community and charity events
The White Cross Inn in Grosewen, near Caerphilly, is supporting its local community by running a variety of events to help bring people together, raise money for charity and tackle...
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23 Oct 2024
Creating more choice of care and support in Westmorland and Furness
The area of Westmorland and Furness is a historic and scenic county of northwestern England. Geographically the third largest local authority in England, it is home to approximately 225,000 people....
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