This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
We’ve set up 5 pilot rural growth networks (RGNs) designed to reduce barriers to economic growth in the countryside. These barriers include shortage of work premises, slow internet connections and business communities spread out over wide areas. Between October 2012 and December 2014, the RGNs have assisted over 2,600 businesses, given advice to near 1,000 individuals interested in starting a business, created around 428 new ones and created or safeguarded over 780 jobs. The 5 pilots are:
Cumbria
Heart of the South West (covering Devon and Somerset)
North East (covering areas of County Durham, Gateshead and Northumberland)
Swindon and Wiltshire
Warwickshire
By the end of December 2014, the RGN pilots had invested a total of £6.97 million of Defra’s funding, and levered in a further £12.8 million of match funding.
If you wish to receive the Rural Growth Network news bulletin, please email: rural.communities@defra.gsi.gov.uk. Here’s what the RGNs are doing: Cumbria The pilot received funding of £3,576,000. It set out to support 480 business start-ups and create or safeguard up to 900 jobs through improving the facilities for rural businesses, such as new employment sites with workspace. The RGN supports thematic (sectoral) networks which include food and drink, digital and creative, agri-business/forestry and adventure capital, with business support provided via a web portal. More information. Heart of the South West The pilot received funding of £2,962,000. It set out to create over 1,000 jobs by offering business support as well as creating a network of rural hubs offering a range of different business accommodation for both new businesses and those with high growth potential. More information. North East The pilot received funding of £3,201,290. The RGN set out to create or safeguard 300 jobs and 40 new businesses, whilst offering support to 200 existing businesses. The RGN is supporting small business growth across rural communities through the provision of flexible workspace. More information. Swindon and Wiltshire The pilot received funding of £1,990,000. This RGN aims to create 150 new jobs and provide support for 150 existing businesses and continues to have a focus on supporting former military personnel and their spouses to start up new businesses, as well as helping existing business to grow. This is being aided by the creation of a small number of Enterprise Centres, as well as a range of other support for businesses. More information. Warwickshire The pilot received funding of £2,402,726. It aims to create or safeguard 500 jobs, provide support to 400 businesses, with 120 new business start-ups. This is being achieved through specialist coaching, mentoring and networking, as well as financial support to business, with specific targets for women led enterprise in the start-up support, business growth and small business loan activities. More information.