ruralnet|uk news

Broadband Sandwich anyone? ruralnet|2003 provides meaty fare

'Sandwiching' either end of this year's meaty ruralnet|uk Conference, on the theme of sustainable livelihoods for rural Britain, is an opportunity to share experience and learn about rural broadband. So vital is this new conduit for rural services and information that the ruralnet team have designed the conference with extra sessions on broadband both before the main event, and afterwards, at no additional charge to delegates.

Great Minds Think Alike: Networks Online responds to HSC announcement

Rural regeneration charity ruralnet|uk, which runs the NetWorks Online system for the Voluntary Sector and SMEs, welcomed Bill Callaghan's announcement last week that the HSC would be striving to improve access to advice and information on Health & Safety matters for small organisations. In particular, Internet services will be improved by, for example, introducing advice forums in the form of 'online communities' dealing with specific issues.

Chief Executive Simon Berry said that small organisations, particularly voluntary and charitable groups, often struggle to find affordable and relevant information, even amongst the plethora available on the internet - which can lead to time consuming information overload.

ruralnet|uk Highly Commended for Broadband in eCommerce Awards

The rural regeneration charity, ruralnet|uk, was one of two nominees awarded Highly Commended in the Broadband category of the West Midlands eCommerce Awards Dinner, at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce last night.

Presenting the trophy, Llewella Bailey of ITV Central News said that the judges had found it impossible to identify a clear winner between the two most impressive nominees in the Broadband category. ruralnet|uk was particularly praised by the judges for its online services and its pioneering work in helping communities and voluntary organisations to understand and implement broadband solutions, particularly in rural areas.

ruralnet|uk reaches regional final of eCommerce Awards - twice

It was confirmed today that the newly independent rural regeneration charity, ruralnet|uk, has reached the regional finals of the high profile eCommerce Awards. ruralnet|uk are in with two chances to progress to the national finals as they have been shortlisted in two categories: eBusiness Start-up and Broadband.

ruralnet|uk's Chief Executive said,

"It is a great honour to reach the final for such a prestigious award and a real endorsement to have two chances of going through the national finals! However, it's clear that we are up against some stiff competition, in both categories, from some of the slickest eBusinesses in the West Midlands.

"Pre-independence, ruralnet|uk won the regional eCommerce Award in 2002 when there was a category specifically for the Community and Voluntary Sector. This year we are competing with the commercial sector."

Experts Online 'guest' forum launched in line with new DDA regulations

The new Disability and Discrimination Act (DDA) guidelines will be in effect from 1st October 2004, which means that organisations must make reasonable arrangements to serve disabled customers.

Many people and organisations may find that they do not know exactly what the new rules mean or whether they comply. ruralnet|uk are adding to their acclaimed Experts Online service, and will launch their first 'guest' Experts Online forum dedicated to a single topic today.

HRH the Prince of Wales supports ruralnet|2004

In a letter of support received from Prince Charles for the forthcoming ruralnet|2004 conference he said,

"I am a great believer in learning from the experiences of others and working together with those who have already succeeded in making a difference. That is why I could not be more pleased that ruralnet|uk is focussing its conference this year on the innovative solutions which rural communities can adopt as part of safeguarding their local services. I could not be more pleased that "Pub is the Hub" is contributing to the conference and I hope that it might inspire other communities. Above all, I wish the participants every success in their efforts to keep our countryside both special and sustainable and I much look forward to hearing a report on your deliberations and conclusions."