Members only
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
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...
Read more
03 Feb 2025
Insights from the Health Innovation Network’s Latest Report
Health disparities have long cast a shadow over the well-being of rural communities, a situation further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The recently published report by the Health Innovation Network,...
Read more
03 Feb 2025
Unlocking Rural Potential: Cornwall Poised as a Leader in UK’s Industrial Strategy
Cornwall is ideally positioned to play a leading role in the UK’s Industrial Strategy according to some of the key members of the business community. That was the clear message...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more