National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise

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National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise

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Putting knowledge to work for an enterprising countryside, combining research & practical innovation.

15/10/2026

Today, on International Day of Rural Women, we're delighted to share some exciting news. 🎉

A successful programme that has supported rural women in Scotland is coming to the North Pennines for the first time.

Thanks to funding from the North Pennines National Landscape team through Defra's Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, NICRE is proud to be delivering Wild Streams, supporting rural women to grow businesses, develop ideas and build valuable connections.

Rural women play a vital role in local economies and communities. Yet many face challenges accessing networks, support and opportunities to develop their ambitions. Wild Streams has been designed to help address those barriers.

Over the next two years, participants will benefit from:
💬 Eight practical workshops focused on enterprise, innovation and business growth
🤝 Tailored one-to-one support
🌱 Peer learning and networking opportunities
🚀 Access to expertise, encouragement and new opportunities

By building confidence, skills and connections, the programme aims to help rural women turn ideas into action and create positive change in their communities.

We're incredibly grateful to the North Pennines National Landscape team and Defra for supporting this work and excited to bring a proven model to the North Pennines.

👀 Keep an eye out for recruitment details and please share this opportunity with your networks.

We want to reach as many women as possible across the area. Whether you're looking to grow an established business, take a first step towards starting something new, or connect with like-minded women, Wild Streams could be the perfect place to begin.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) North Pennines National Landscape

24/09/2026

📢 Have your say on the future of Blackhall and the Rocks

Local organisations, businesses, service providers and community groups are invited to join a Solution Session on Wednesday 30 September to help shape future priorities for Blackhall and the Rocks.

Hosted by the North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce, the session will bring people together to discuss what matters most to the area, including:

✅ What's working well
✅ Challenges facing the community
✅ Opportunities for the future
✅ Priorities for investment and support

Your local knowledge and experience can help shape the conversation and ensure future action reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.

👇 Register now using the link in the comments.

17/09/2026

🌱 Could community energy make a difference in your village or town?

From powering community buildings and village halls to improving local infrastructure and helping communities stay resilient during emergencies, community energy has huge potential for rural areas.

That's why Community First Yorkshire and NICRE are inviting people to take part in our Community Energy Climathon.

Together, we'll explore practical ideas for community-owned energy, hear about inspiring projects already making a difference around the country, and develop new ideas that could benefit communities across North Yorkshire.

📅 20 October 2026, 10am | Online webinar
📅 3 November 2026, 10am-4pm | Harrogate

Whether you work with rural communities, sustainability, energy or community development, or you're simply interested in community-led solutions, we'd love you to join us.

📧 Email [email protected] to register your interest using the link in the comments.

The Community Energy Climathon is being run by NICRE in partnership with Community First Yorkshire, thanks to funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the North Yorkshire Energy Collective.

Community First Yorkshire

07/09/2026

What would help young people in South Shields and other coastal communities to thrive?

On Thursday 22 October, the North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce will hold a Solution Session focused how future policy and investment can help young people growing up in coastal places to achieve goals that matter to them and realise their full potential.

Ahead of the session, the team is gathering evidence through conversations with local organisations and groups that work with young people. We’re also working with these partners to hear from young people directly about their experiences and priorities.

If your organisation works with young people, or you have a professional or strategic interest in this area and would like to get involved, please email [email protected].

This is one of a series of Solution Sessions organised through the North East Rural and Coastal Taskforce in 2026/7 to help shape recommendations for future policy and investment. To find out more visit the NICRE website or contact [email protected].

17/08/2026

What do the communities of Blackhall and the Rocks need to thrive, now and in the future?

We’re inviting people who live, work, study, run a business or spend time in Blackhall and the Rocks to share their experiences and priorities through a short community survey.

Share your views and you could win a £100 Love 2 Shop voucher.

Tell us what you value about the area, what you think needs to improve and what would help the communities thrive.

Your feedback will inform a Solution Session taking place on Wednesday 30 September, bringing together community organisations, businesses, service providers and other partners.

Complete the short community survey in the comments below 👇

This is one of a series of Solution Sessions organised through the North East Rural and Coastal Taskforce in 2026/7 to help shape recommendations for future policy and investment.

To find out more visit the NICRE website or contact [email protected].

11/08/2026

What do Seahouses and the surrounding coastal communities need to thrive, now and in the future?

We’re inviting people who live, work, study, run a business or spend time in Seahouses to share their experiences and priorities through a short community survey. Share your views and you could win a £100 Love 2 Shop voucher.

Tell us what you value about the area, which issues matter most and what changes you would like to see.

Your views will help inform a Solution Session taking place in Seahouses on Monday 14 September, bringing together local organisations and partners to explore priorities for the rural Northumberland coast.

👉 Complete the Seahouses community survey in the comments below.

This is one of a series of Solution Sessions organised through the North East Rural and Coastal Taskforce in 2026/7 to help shape recommendations for future policy and investment. To find out more visit the NICRE website or contact [email protected].

02/07/2026

🌱 We’re hiring at NICRE – two exciting opportunities now live!

We’re looking for people who want to make a real difference in rural communities and be part of a supportive, collaborative team. Both roles are full time and applications close on 19 July.

📌 Rural Innovation Associate

A great opportunity to:

- Support projects tackling a wide variety of challenges in rural areas – from energy and environmental sustainability to community capacity building
- Bring people together across business, policy, communities and universities
- Turn ideas into practical outcomes that create real impact

📌 Engagement and Communications Officer

Ideal if you’re passionate about communications and creative content:

- Help bring insights and innovations to life for a wide range of audiences
- Build hands-on experience across campaigns, content and events
- Work with a strong network of partners across the UK

At NICRE, we’re all about putting knowledge to work for an enterprising countryside – and these roles are a chance to be part of that.

👉 If this sounds like you (or someone you know), take a look and apply using the link in the comments below

17/06/2026

Join us in Felton on Tuesday 23 June 🌿

How do people access, enjoy and care for outdoor spaces across the River Coquet catchment, and what would they like to see in future?

We’re holding a Nature and People workshop at Felton Village Hall on Tuesday 23 June, delivered in partnership with Natural England.

The workshop will be a friendly space to hear early findings from our research, share your local knowledge, meet others working or volunteering in the area, and help shape future ideas that support people and nature to thrive together.

It’s open to community and environmental groups, local volunteers, businesses, public sector organisations and anyone with an interest in the River Coquet and the places around it.

There’s still time to book your place.

👉 Booking link in the comments or email [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who has already shared their views. Your input is helping build a clearer picture of how people connect with and care for this beautiful part of Northumberland.

02/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week is back – and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the amazing volunteers who support so many of the projects we are involved with here at NICRE.

One of these is our Rural Digital Inclusion Project, delivered in partnership with Community Action Northumberland which brings volunteers from across Northumberland to support sessions in local communities and beyond to help others build confidence with digital skills.

From connecting hearing aids via Bluetooth, to setting up devices and resetting passwords, our volunteers show real dedication, patience and passion. Their support helps communities stay connected and confident in a digital world.

Below is a video we created last year, showcasing some of the fantastic volunteers involved in the Rural Digital Inclusion project.

Thank you to everyone who gives their time, skills and energy - this project couldn’t work without you, and this week we celebrate ityour contributions.

Commsworld Northumberland County Council

29/05/2026

Last chance to share your views on the River Coquet

We’re coming to the end of our research into how people use and care for outdoor spaces across the River Coquet catchment — and there’s still time to get involved.

Your views will help shape future projects that support nature, wellbeing and local communities.

Complete our online survey — link in the comments

Meet us in person at the Great Big Green Event in Rothbury this Saturday (30 May)

Sign up for our Nature and People workshop on Tuesday 23 June in Felton, where we’ll share early findings and work with local partners to develop future ideas.

Booking link for the workshop in the comments

However you choose to get involved, thank you. Your views will help shape how people connect to and care for this beautiful part of Northumberland for years to come.

Address

The Catalyst, Newcastle Helix
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE45TG

Website

http://www.nicre.co.uk/

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