Rural Business Forum.
A strategic group to promote the interests of the rural business sector in Staffordshire, championing and lobbying for the strategies and policies that give the sector a stronger voice.
What this forum covers.
Farming, land-based industry, rural tourism and the many businesses that simply happen to operate outside a town — with a shared set of obstacles that urban policy tends to miss.
Rural connectivity
Broadband and mobile coverage, and the practical cost of being at the end of the line.
Land and diversification
Planning for rural enterprise, farm diversification and getting new uses through the system.
A stronger voice
Making sure rural business is represented in county and national policy rather than treated as a footnote.
Forum ChairTom BagnallOwner, Bagnall Farms
When it meets
Quarterly at Commerce House, with dates published in the event calendar. Members attend free — just book a place.
Where it goes
Issues raised here go to the Chambers' Council, then to the Board and on to the British Chambers of Commerce.
The next four meetings.
Members attend free — book a place through the event calendar.
New meeting dates will be added here.
Minutes.
Minutes will be added after meetings.
Useful things from the forum.
Resources from this forum will appear here.