Melanie Thompson-Glen, business development manager at NICRE, which is led by Newcastle University and partners, said: “We know this is an extremely tough time for all businesses with many of the challenges associated with rising running costs exacerbated for those based in rural areas.
“Our Rural Business Beacons network is not designed to place additional demands on firms when they’re already flat-out however, provide a forum to harness their views and share these directly with those making policy.
“We are often approached by national Government departments and parliamentary groups for evidence on what is happening on the ground and by joining our Beacons forum, businesses will be able to play a part in shaping future policy.”