RURAL businesses have the chance to explore support services and funding at a conference in north-east England.

More than 100 rural businesses from across the region are expected to attend the Rural Business Conference 2016.

Hosted by the North East Farming and Rural Advisory Network, the one-day event takes place on Friday 24 June (9.30am – 4.00pm) at Kirkley Hall Ponteland, NE20 0AQ.

Delegates at the conference will hear from key note speaker Lord Curry of Kirkharle CBE, former chairman of NFU Mutual and passionate rural business advocate.

The conference also offers an opportunity for delegates to participate in interactive workshops, find out about forthcoming opportunities for businesses in rural areas.

Attendees will also hear from organisations managing rural funding and network with representatives from across the North East Business Support Community.

Lord Curry said: "There is huge, untapped economic potential within the Rural Business community of the North East and across the UK.

"The contribution to economic growth is, however, only one important element. As important, if not more so, is the contribution to local communities and the social benefits that flow from businesses located in rural areas.

"The lifestyle benefits and quality of life are a great attraction".

Gillian Hall, North East LEP Board Member said it was important that rural businesses had equal opportunities to those located in towns and cities.

"The Rural Business Conference 2016 is an excellent opportunity to find out more about the important contributions that businesses located in our rural places make to the economy.

"Businesses will also be able to find out more about business support and funding.

"The conference and the rural growth it represents are further steps towards us achieving the collective goal of more and better jobs for all."

Businesses and policymakers at the event will discuss the vision of a robust, productive and sustainable rural economy.

Dave Ledger, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said rural businesses had a "huge part to play" in supporting the regional economy and in creating more and better jobs for all.

"I strongly encourage entrepreneurs and business owners considering new projects or exploring rural business opportunities to attend the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to talk to the North East business support community".

Businesses wishing to register for their free place at this event should visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-business-conference-2016-tickets-25430391987.

For further information please e-mail katy.mcintosh@arch-group.co.uk.