ruralnet|uk news

net:gain shortlisted for SEC award

ruralnet|uk has been shortlisted for this year's "Enterprising Solutions" awards by the Social Enterprise Coalition. ruralnet's entry outlined the successful first year of the innovative net:gain programme, which uses a social franchising model to build the ICT and strategic planning capacity of Voluntary and Community organisations across England.

The awards, the winners of which will be announced in October, recognise innovation and entreprenuerial spirit, both of which are fundamental to the ethos of ruralnet|uk.

Another good year for ruralnet|uk ...

It has been an exciting year for ruralnet|uk with lots of 'firsts', including a Home Office Minister, Fiona Mactaggart MP, addressing our national conference, and the introduction of marketing as a dedicated role. Published today, the ruralnet|uk annual report and accounts can now be viewed online; and make for an interesting read (see here for the report in .pdf format - 1.23M).

ruralnet|uk's experience in UK online centres and service delivery falls on fertile ground in China

ruralnet|uk's Business Development Manager, Jane Berry, returned this week from China, following an invitation to join a delegation of UK Social Entrepreneurs. The trip was organised by Global Links Initiative (GLI) and was supported by the British Consulate-General, Shanghai. Three leading Social Entrepreneurs were selected to represent different approaches to UK Social Enterprise and different target groups. With the emerging third sector in China developing fast, the visit created enormous interest and culminated in seminars, attended by not-for-profits (NPOs), national and local government representatives and the media, and was hosted by the British Council China NPO Network in Beijing, and the YMCA in Shanghai.

Minister Launches Broadband Support Network at ABC Conference

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael MP is scheduled to launch the new Community Broadband Network at the Access to Broadband Campaign Conference on 27th January.

Supported by government, industry and the co-operative movement, CBN has been set up to help communities get access to affordable broadband - including creating their own services - using social enterprise models.