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.

Hot Topics

06 Nov 2023

Improving Broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises

The Government is currently consulting on how to improve broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises. This consultation follows their response in February 2022 to their call for evidence on...

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06 Nov 2023

Join NICRE to explore the state of rural enterprise

The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) will shine a spotlight on how businesses in rural areas are responding to the major challenges affecting the UK economy and the...

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06 Nov 2023

RSN to host Net Zero event as part of Countryside COP

The Rural Services Network is pleased to be able to invite you to attend our online event focusing on Net Zero as part of Countryside COP. Taking place on 22nd...

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30 Oct 2023

RSN Member Insight Update

Economy Insight on the RSN website has now been updated with an analysis examining employment landscape at the local authority level.  The analysis shows proportions of employees in broad industrial...

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24 Oct 2023

New research shows how community-owned businesses are committed to social and environmental action

Plunkett Foundation’s annual state of the sector report ‘Community Ownership: A Better Form of Business’ shows that despite facing significant challenges because of the cost-of-living and energy price crises, the...

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24 Oct 2023

Invaluable role of Pub is The Hub in helping pubs to diversify their services and support people in rural communities highlighted in new report

Pub is The Hub has been featured in a new Localis report calling for more pub diversification support. In the report, commissioned by the British Beer & Pub Association and...

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23 Oct 2023

Proposals unveiled for positive change in the rural economy

A series of policy recommendations to advocate for positive change in the rural economy, has been published by the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) at Newcastle University. To mark three...

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02 Oct 2023

RSN backs calls for more support for village pubs

A new report from the independent, not-for-profit think tank, Localis reveals the true social and economic value pubs bring to communities across England.  Inn-valuable has looked at both first-hand evidence and...

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02 Oct 2023

Government’s new transport proposals divide opinions

The government’s announcement hailed as a “plan for motorists” has been met with mixed reviews. The “long-term plan to back drivers” details measures which include: Reviewing guidance on 20mph speed...

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25 Sep 2023

Natural England critised for hindering rural businesses

St Ives MP, Derek Thomas has criticised Natural England’s approach to Sites of Special Scientific Interest in his constituency. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Thomas told MPs that...

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