£15m Rural Growth Networks could create 3,000 jobs

More than 3,000 jobs and 700 businesses could be created nationally thanks to a £15m project announced by DEFRA to support rural businesses and boost the rural economy.

Five new Rural Growth Networks across England will enable businesses in rural areas to reach their potential by breaking down barriers to economic growth.

The five public and private sector partnerships will be run over three years in Swindon and Wiltshire, Durham and Northumberland, Devon and Somerset, Cumbria and Coventry and Warwickshire.

Up to £2m of the government’s investment in the networks will target rural enterprises led by women.

DEFRA secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Great business ideas have been held back by the challenges of a rural location for far too long.

“Rural Growth Networks will fix problems like a shortage of work premises and limited internet access to give rural entrepreneurs the chance to get their business ideas off the ground and achieve their full potential.”

In Northumberland, for example, funding will be provided to Middleton Farmers’ Auction Mart Development for new office space for rent in Middleton in Teedale both as individual units and as shared space. It will provide a facility for farmers markets and agricultural business training.

The networks are part of a £165m government package, announced in November, to stimulate economic growth in rural businesses and communities.