T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
In the tranquil settings of rural Britain, there exists a significant challenge that often goes unnoticed—digital connectivity. Ensuring equitable digital access across all areas is a pressing issue, affecting the day-to-day lives and long-term opportunities for those living in the...
New powers for communities to regenerate high streets and fill empty shops will be in force by the summer, the government announced last week. High Street Rental Auctions, a new local authority power to combat high street vacancy, will...
Plunkett UK , a charity supporting community ownership across the UK, has released its 2024 Impact Report , highlighting the transformative effect of community-owned businesses in rural areas. In this article, the Rural Services Network focuses on the impact...
Royal Mail has announced a proposed overhaul of its service, aiming to address the challenges of plummeting letter volumes and financial losses. The proposal includes maintaining a six-day-a-week delivery service for first-class letters but reducing the frequency of...
Labour shortages and skills gaps are major challenges for rural businesses which are hindering their performance and growth potential, according to a major new survey from the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE). More than half...
Economic development and regeneration professionals are encouraged to participate in shaping a new practical analytics platform geared at guiding rural business policy. The Rural Enterprise Support Analytics (RESA) tool focuses on rates of business start-up, growth and survival to...
In an era where digital communication has significantly reduced the volume of letters, yet the demand for parcel delivery continues to soar, Ofcom has initiated a discussion on the future of the United Kingdom's universal postal service. Recognising the changing...
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 types of businesses to those elsewhere. Professional, scientific and...
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 aims to empower rural enterprises, from farms to tourism providers,...
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 the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE). Almost...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
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.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.