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.
11 Dec 2023
Rural Economy Spotlight – December 2023
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities State of Rural Enterprise report published...
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04 Dec 2023
Post offices providing more services but rural still struggling
The new Post Office service which allows customers to choose which parcel carrier to use has started to roll out across the network. Customers are given the option to send...
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04 Dec 2023
Somerton & Frome MP reminds government of the real cost of the Rural Premium
The challenges facing rural areas have been repeatedly debated in Parliament this week. Alongside Chris Loder MP’s debate on funding for rural councils (read what happened here), Sarah Dyke MP...
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04 Dec 2023
Over 15,000 Free to Use ATMs Lost Since 2018
The number of free to use cash machines available in the UK has fallen by almost 30% in the last five years, according to new figures from the Association of...
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04 Dec 2023
Government says thousands of rural properties will have major broadband upgrade
The government has announced that thousands of people across rural parts of Oxfordshire and North East Staffordshire are set to benefit from new lightning-fast broadband. Around 10,000 homes and businesses...
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27 Nov 2023
Autumn Statement 2023: What does it mean for rural?
It’s been nearly a week since the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement and RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth and her team have been digesting what it means for rural communities...
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27 Nov 2023
Rural businesses show resilience, but investment curtailed by rising costs
Rising costs are causing serious and widespread problems for rural businesses in parts of England which is curtailing their ability to invest and grow, according to a major new survey...
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20 Nov 2023
Is the roll out of superfast rural broadband too complicated for users?
MPs and industry leaders have been discussing the challenges facing the roll out of Project Gigabit and superfast broadband across the UK. Chair of the APPG Digital Communications, Selaine Saxby...
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13 Nov 2023
Digital divide between rural and urban area is growing
A new study has been published by the mobile operator, Vodaphone UK, which reveals the gap between urban and rural areas is growing when it comes to reliable connectivity. The...
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06 Nov 2023
Community businesses are committed to social and environmental action
New research by Plunkett Foundation has shown that community businesses are committed to social and environmental action despite facing multiple challenges which are threatening the economic viability of many businesses...
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