Meet the Voices Shaping Our Rural Economy Seminar

Wednesday 29 April | 11:00–13:00 | Online

We’re looking forward to welcoming a strong line-up of expert speakers to our upcoming RSN Member Exclusive Seminar on the Rural Economy taking place in just two weeks.

Bringing together leading voices from research, local government and rural enterprise, this session will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping rural economic growth, with practical insight, real-world experience and forward-looking perspectives.

Professor Jeremy Phillipson

Director, National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE); Professor of Rural Development, Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University

Jeremy Phillipson is Director of NICRE and Professor of Rural Development at the Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University. His research focuses on the development needs of rural economies and fishing communities, expertise exchange within rural land management, and the integration of social and natural sciences in resource management.

He advises government through his roles on the Defra Science Advisory Council Social Science Expert Group, the Defra Rural Academic Panel, and the Scottish Government Rural Economy Action Group. He is also a member of the Northern Uplands Leader Local Action Group and previously served as Assistant Director of the UK Research Council’s Rural Economy and Land Use Programme.

Melanie Thompson-Glen

Head of Business and Innovation, National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE)

Melanie Thompson-Glen is Head of Business and Innovation at NICRE, bringing over 25 years of experience in rural business support. Her career spans practical environmental projects, supporting businesses to start, grow and export, and delivering training to both businesses and community organisations.

Her role focuses on engaging with organisations, businesses and stakeholders across rural areas, helping them access support, and promoting best practice. She also supports NICRE’s Living Lab innovation projects, working with communities to share learning and drive innovation. Living and raising a family in a rural area herself, Melanie is passionate about helping rural communities unlock their potential and build a sustainable future.

Katie Dalsgaard

Strategic Growth and Skills Manager, Cornwall Council

Katie Dalsgaard is Strategic Growth and Skills Manager at Cornwall Council, with over 15 years’ experience across local, national and international policy environments. Her career includes roles in local government, the Danish Ministry of Business Affairs, the Danish Permanent Representation to the EU, and the international development sector.

She specialises in evidence-based economic strategy for rural and coastal regions, with a focus on strengthening resilience, driving inclusive growth, and developing partnership-led solutions tailored to places such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Lisa Courtney

Town Clerk, Saffron Walden Town Council

Lisa Courtney brings over 25 years’ experience in local government and has served as Town Clerk at Saffron Walden Town Council since 2015. During this time, she has led a determined effort to increase income streams, achieving a more than 350% increase through external grants, improved asset use, sponsorship, and innovative investment.

Under her leadership, the Council has achieved Quality Gold standard and built a reputation as an ambitious, forward-thinking organisation. In March 2026, Lisa oversaw the town’s bid for Town of Culture 2028, a process already delivering strong community engagement and economic potential.

Join the Conversation

This seminar will also include an open forum discussion, giving RSN members the opportunity to share insights, examples of good practice and on-the-ground experience of rural economic challenges and opportunities.

As with all RSN seminars, this is a member-exclusive, interactive session and is not recorded, offering a valuable space for open discussion, peer learning and direct engagement with expert speakers.

RSN members: if you or a colleague has an interest in rural economies, growth, or local development, we encourage you to attend and be part of the conversation.

Book your place here today.