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

16 Feb 2024

Jobs density

Economy Insight on the RSN website has now been updated with an analysis examining Jobs Density at local authority level.  The density figures represent the ratio of total jobs to...

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12 Feb 2024

Winning the Rural Vote

In anticipation of a forthcoming general election, it’s crucial to address the challenges faced by rural communities. Constituting 40% of parliamentary constituencies, rural votes hold significant sway. The Rural Services...

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12 Feb 2024

Need for Fair Funding for Internal Drainage Boards

Need for Fair Funding for Internal Drainage Boards A Special Interest Group of the LGA, the Internal Drainage Board levies stressed the need for fair funding at a Parliamentary event...

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12 Feb 2024

Government Invests £1B in Rural Broadband: Bridging the Digital Divide

The Government committed to spend £5 Billion through Project Gigabit, a programme aimed at ‘delivering lightning-fast, reliable broadband to every corner of the United Kingdom.’ They have recently unveiled details...

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05 Feb 2024

Employment of people living in rural and coastal communities

The House of Commons Library recently published a report to inform Westminster Hall debate held on 1 February. The report highlighted that rural and coastal constituencies tend to have different...

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05 Feb 2024

Unlocking Growth: Rural Business Grants Now Available for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Businesses

In a substantial boost to rural businesses, the Rural Business Grants scheme has been launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With a commitment of £1 million, this initiative...

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02 Feb 2024

Help shape rural business growth decision-making platform

People working in economic development and regeneration are being invited to help shape a new practical analytics platform designed to guide rural business policy. The Rural Enterprise Support Analytics (RESA)...

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30 Jan 2024

RSN Launches political asks in Parliament

The Rural Services Network is in Parliament today launching its manifesto asks of the political parties. The report will be launched with a number of MPs in a session hosted...

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30 Jan 2024

Rural Shops More Important Than Ever to Isolated Communities

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is celebrating the crucial role that rural shops play in thousands of communities across the UK as part of the launch of the 2024...

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22 Jan 2024

Growth opportunities for rural businesses, but long-standing challenges remain

Businesses in rural areas perceive new opportunities for growth but long-standing challenges such as affordable housing, transport and broadband capacity are hampering take-up, according to a major new survey from...

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