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Rural Economies
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has celebrated the investment, community contribution and range of services provided by the UK’s almost 19,000 rural convenience stores, despite significant challenges ahead. The 2025 Rural Shop Report, launched on 29th January sets...
A recent report from the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), authored by Mark Shucksmith, Emeritus Professor at Newcastle University, and Jane Atterton, Head of the Rural Policy Centre at Scotland’s Rural College, sheds light on an often-ignored crisis:...
Transport East hosted its 2025 Transport Summit in Ipswich earlier this month, bringing together senior business leaders, MPs, government officials, and transport experts to discuss the critical role of transport in supporting economic growth, regional connectivity, and the delivery...
Eighteen local councils in England have formally requested to delay their upcoming May elections until next year to facilitate significant structural changes to local government. The proposed postponements are intended to support a reorganisation initiative that aims to merge smaller...
Agri-food’s omission from the list of growth-driving sectors in the Modern Industrial Strategy (MIS) could hamper future opportunities for clean energy and other key sectors, Norfolk County Council and partners have warned the Government. In a letter...
The government recently addressed the Rural Services Network's (RSN) concerns regarding the new Industrial Strategy , which had been perceived as overlooking the potential and needs of rural areas. The response comes after the RSN's letter to Rt...
The plight of poor digital connectivity in rural UK remains a significant barrier for over half a million businesses, as detailed in a recent article published by Countryside Alliance . These businesses, integral to the rural economy ,...
Harriet English has recently been announced as the new Deputy Chief Executive at Plunkett UK , the national charity that supports rural community businesses. Harriet has worked with Plunkett for 16 years, holding the position of Head of...
On the last day before the festive recess, the House of Lords held a significant debate , initiated by the Lord Bishop of St Albans, focusing on the crucial role and the broad challenges of the rural economy. This...
The government has recently unveiled the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC), a strategic initiative designed to bolster economic growth and enhance living standards nationwide. This announcement came from the Department for Business and Trade ...
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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.
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