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.

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06 Sep 2021

‘Huge untapped potential’ for UK farm diversification

Farming UK reports that according to Strutt & Parker, there is significant potential in the rural sector for farmers and landowners to diversify The land specialists believe that rural sector...

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23 Aug 2021

Trials of shared banking hubs to be extended

The BBC have reported that trials of shared banking hubs in two communities where all the branches have closed down are to be extended The premises, managed by the Post...

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23 Aug 2021

End of the landline will hit rural communities hardest

The Farmers Guardian reports that despite the announcement that from 2025 all households and businesses will need the internet to make calls, many countryside communities are still struggling for mobile...

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23 Aug 2021

New £1.6m funding pot to help Stafford Borough businesses prosper

A £1.6 million pound growth fund for businesses across Stafford Borough has been launched Local businesses, and those looking to start, will be able to get a grant of up...

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23 Aug 2021

Rural residents struggling with their internet connection urged to apply for funding

The Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele Journal reports that Denbighshire residents and businesses are being urged to apply for funds to help improve their internet connection The UK and Welsh governments...

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Rural Lens of Build Back Better High Streets
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16 Aug 2021

Rural Lens of Build Back Better High Streets

The Government’s recently launched Build Back Better High Streets strategy sets out the government’s long term plan to support the evolution of high streets into thriving places to work, visit...

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16 Aug 2021

Rewilding 5% of England could create 20,000 rural jobs

The Guardian reports the rewilding 5 per cent of England could create nearly 20,000 jobs in rural communities and increase employment by 50 per cent compared with intensive farming, according...

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09 Aug 2021

Cultivating rural growth

Recognising and addressing the post-pandemic rural productivity challenge Recognising rural communities’ specific needs Over the past year, Rural Services Network and its partners have commissioned three studies from Pragmatix Advisory...

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09 Aug 2021

Six ‘must haves’ for Boris’ levelling up vision

This article (written by Nigel Wilcock, executive director of the Institute of Economic Development) appeared in LocalGov Whilst attention this week is on so-called ‘Freedom Day’, those of us working in...

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09 Aug 2021

Project launched to look at running broadband through water pipes

The Government has launched a pilot project exploring the efficacy of fibre optic broadband cables through water pipes to help connect hard-to-reach homes, including those in rural areas The £4m...

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