ruralnet|uk news

The Woodlands and Forestry Forum is Growing Our Future online

A new website for the West Midlands Forestry Framework (WMFF), designed by ruralnet|uk, is going live today.

Designed by the rural regeneration charity, ruralnet|uk, the website will showcase the framework and delivery plans for woodland and forestry in the West Midlands.  Details about the framework - including briefings, studies, etc - are available from this site in downloadable pdf. format.

The website address is: http://www.growingourfuture.org/

Regional Forum Adopts Collaborative Networking System

ruralnet|uk are pleased that West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum (WMRAF) have chosen to use the charity's expertise in developing online network areas to link their people together, and to tap into the other resources provided through cross-network collaboration. This arrangement builds on five years working together on the WMRAF and West Midlands Rural Network websites (see www.wmraf.org.uk and www.wmrn.org.uk).

ruralnet|uk ready to play a part in Rural Strategy 2004

The rural regeneration charity, ruralnet|uk looks forward to playing its part in the implementation of the new agenda for the delivery of rural services presented to Parliament today by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

'We are keen to broaden the high-value support we provide to rural communities by working within the new delivery framework,' said Simon Berry, ruralnet|uk's chief executive.

'In line with the Rural Strategy, we look forward to working closely with the regions, as we already do with Farming and Food West Midlands and the West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum. We particularly welcome proposals to involve the voluntary and community sector more, in both consultation and in delivery of services.

'In addition, we believe that our forthcoming conference, ruralnet|2004, will offer the opportunity for participants to explore further many of the issues discussed in the strategy.'

Food Links Project confirmed

At a meeting today at the headquarters of the Mercian Trust in Lichfield the start of the Food Links Initiative was confirmed. The project will be implemented in association with 'Development in Practice Ltd' with the overall objective of linking local food producers and processors with local disadvantaged consumers such that producers enjoy a fair return for their produce and poorer urban communities gain access to wholesome locally produced food at affordable prices.

EFS Extranet goes regional

Simon Berry, Chief Executive of ruralnet|uk is delighted to report that one of Network Online's many 'petals', the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme (EFS) Extranet, has gone regional after a two year pilot project at Warwick University. The EFS Extranet links graduate start-up businesses (fellows) with mentors. The extranet provides a supported platform for online collaboration that glues everyone together and makes for efficient project implementation and management. Wolverhampton , Coventry , Keele, Staffs and UCE Universities have now signed up for the scheme.

onBusiness Extranet pilot gets under way

An innovative online business support pilot gets under way today to provide online support and guidance to rural businesses in the West Midlands . onBusiness clients will benefit from business tips, support and guidance through face-to-face contact with Circuit Riders (from each of the four partner colleges) as well as via the Internet from the onBusiness online community.

West Midlands Rural Network - contract extended

For the past two years ruralnet|uk has worked with the West Midlands Rural Network to establish and maintain a website and mailing list to facilitate information sharing and networking between individuals and organisations in the region with an interest in the rural economy. The contract extension will ensure the on-going development and use of the website, mailing list and online membership database until March 2004.

Two awards set innovative rural charity on road to launch

ruralnet|uk embarks on the countdown to launch this week with two e-Commerce awards in hand and the chance of another national win in London this Wednesday.

At Stratford, the new regeneration charity took the regional e-Commerce Award for the Voluntary and Community sector in the West Midlands, winning a trophy, £2,000 in cash and a place in the National Final on 3rd July. On the same day, it was runner-up, with a commendation in the Sustainable ICT category at the National eWell-Being Awards at the BT Tower in London.

"The countryside needs new solutions. The best ideas are home-grown, and our aim is to help people on the ground share ideas, inspiration and information for a creative, connected countryside", says Chief Executive, Simon Berry.

At the Royal Show this week, ruralnet|uk is announcing its move to independence from its parent, the Royal Agricultural Society of England.