More than 100 rural businesses from across the North East are being offered the chance to explore business support services and funding at a conference taking place in Northumberland.
The Rural Business Conference 2016, which takes place on Friday 24th June (9.30am – 4.00pm) at Kirkley Hall, Ponteland is being hosted by the North East Farming and Rural Advisory Network.
Delegates at the conference will hear from key note speaker Lord Curry of Kirkharle CBE, the former Chair of NFU Mutual and passionate rural business advocate.
The conference also offers an opportunity for delegates to participate in interactive workshops, find out about forthcoming opportunities for businesses in rural areas, as well as hearing from organisations managing rural funding and network with representatives from across the North East Business Support Community.
Lord Curry of Kirkharle CBE, said: “There is huge, untapped economic potential within the rural business community of the North East and across the UK. The contribution to economic growth is, however, only one important element. As important, if not more so, is the contribution to local communities and the social benefits that flow from businesses located in rural areas. The lifestyle benefits and quality of life are a great attraction”.
Gillian Hall, North East LEP board member said “The North East LEP is committed to ensuring rural businesses have equal opportunities to those located within our towns and cities.
“The Rural Business Conference 2016 is an excellent opportunity to find out more about the important contributions that businesses located in our rural places make to the economy. Businesses will also be able to find out more about business support and funding. The conference and the rural growth it represents are further steps towards us achieving the collective goal of more and better jobs for all.”
Cllr Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council and Arch chair said: “The 2016 Rural Business Conference will bring businesses and policy makers together to discuss the vision of a robust, productive and sustainable rural economy.
“Rural businesses have a huge part to play in supporting the regional economy and in creating more and better jobs for all. I strongly encourage entrepreneurs and business owners considering new projects or exploring rural business opportunities to attend the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to talk to the North East business support community”.
Businesses wishing to register for their free place at this event can do so by visiting:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-business-conference-2016-tickets-25430391987
For further information please e-mail katy.mcintosh@arch-group.co.uk
Contact Julie Bullen on 01670 528476 (Julie.bullen@arch-group.co.uk) or Katy McIntosh on 01670 528489katy.mcintosh@arch-group.co.uk visit www.archnorthumberland.co.uk/arch-business/rural-growth-network-2-1