T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!
Rural Economy & Regeneration – Driving Growth And Opportunity
Monday 15 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30
Part of the National Rural Conference 2025
Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme
A thriving rural economy underpins the sustainability of communities, businesses and services. This opening session of the conference will explore how national policy, cultural investment, and low-carbon growth can work together to drive inclusive regeneration in rural places.
From government priorities to on-the-ground initiatives, our speakers bring perspectives that span food security, cultural services, and the green economy.
Confirmed Speakers
 |
Minister Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State (Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs), DEFRA
|
 |
Laura Dyer MBE, Deputy Chief Executive, Places, Engagement & Libraries, Arts Council Laura leads the Arts Council’s work on local government, devolution and place-making, with overall responsibility for all five of its area teams. With a career spanning theatre, community arts, local authorities and capital development projects worth over £130 million, she brings deep expertise in how cultural services can be a catalyst for regeneration. In this session, Laura will highlight the role of culture in supporting the rural economy and driving inclusive growth. |
 |
Ross Lowrie, Principal Manager (Low Carbon Growth & Net Zero), North East Combined Authority Ross has extensive experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation, decarbonisation technologies, hydropower and other renewables, environmental regulation, and partnership project development and governance. He brings expertise in supporting low-carbon growth and Net Zero ambitions within a regional context, and we look forward to his contribution to this session. |
 |
Sean Hughes, Senior Manager, PwC UK Sean has almost 20 years’ experience in tackling labour market challenges, including developing apprenticeship policy, building sector-wide skills strategies, and analysing how emerging technologies reshape industries. He now leads PwC’s work with UK Research & Innovation on the AI Skills Hub, launched in June 2025 to support employers in adopting AI and accessing the skills they need. |
This session is one of eight themed events running from 15–18 September as part of our member-exclusive conference. It’s free to attend for all eligible RSN member organisations. Sessions take place online via Zoom and are not recorded — to benefit from the discussion and interactive format, please join us live.
