National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise

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.

27/05/2026

📱 Digital support sessions this June – across rural Northumberland

This June, we are continuing to run, free digital support sessions across rural Northumberland as part of our Rural Digital Inclusion project.

Our volunteers are on hand to help with everyday tech questions – from using devices and getting online, to staying safe and confident on the internet.

Want to get involved?
We’re looking for volunteers to become Digital Champions at these sessions. If you’re interested, get in touch with Community Action Northumberland.

We also support Digital Champions across the rest of the county, so even if these sessions aren’t local to you, we can help you get involved.

Need a bit of digital help?
If you or someone you know, could use support with technology or staying safe online, our volunteers are here to help.

Just pop along to one of the sessions and a Digital Champion will be there to support.

📍 FREE Digital Support Sessions this June

Need help getting online or building confidence with your device? Our friendly Digital Champions are back across Northumberland this June offering free, drop-in support with everyday tech 💻📱

No booking needed — just turn up and say hello.

📅 June 2026 sessions:
3rd June, 10:30am–12pm, Stannington Village Hall
4th June, 2–3:30pm, Hindmarsh Hall (Alnmouth)
16th June, 11:30am–12:30pm, Warkworth Memorial Hall
18th June, 2–3:30pm, Hindmarsh Hall (Alnmouth)
19th June, 9:30–11:30am, Ponteland Merton Hall
30th June, 2–4pm, Hepscott Parish Hall

Whether it’s emails, online forms, video calls or staying safe online, we’re here to help you feel more confident and connected 🌿

Find out more: https://www.ca-north.org.uk/news/rural-digital-inclusion-spring-2026

14/04/2026

Help shape the future of the River Coquet 🌿

We are working with Natural England and local partners to better understand the River Coquet and the people connected to it - those who live, work, learn and spend time there.

This research will inform future projects and help shape a Protected Sites Strategy for the whole catchment, from source to sea.

*Join our community focus group – 21 April*

Hearing from different perspectives is vital. If you work or volunteer with a community or voluntary organisation linked to the River Coquet, please come along.

📍 Felton Village Hall
🗓 Tuesday 21 April
⏰ 12:30–2pm (lunch provided)

The session follows the Thriving Together Northumberland networking event, but you’re welcome whether or not you attend in the morning.

We’d really appreciate your help in spreading the word, so do share or tag anyone in the comments who'd be interested.

👉 Book your place at the link in comments or get in touch: [email protected]

13/04/2026

Do you volunteer or work with a community organisation in the River Coquet catchment?

We are working with Natural England and local partners to better understand how people connect to nature and use outdoor spaces along the River Coquet and what is important to them for future.

This research will inform plans and projects that support both communities and nature across the whole catchment, from source to sea.

*Join our community organisations focus group – 21 April*

Hearing from different perspectives is vital. If you work or volunteer with a community or voluntary organisation linked to the River Coquet, please come along.

📍 Felton Village Hall
🗓 Tuesday 21 April
⏰ 12:30–2pm (lunch provided)

The session follows the Thriving Together Northumberland networking event, but you’re welcome whether or not you attend in the morning.

👉 Book your place at the link in comments or get in touch: [email protected]

We’d really appreciate your help in spreading the word, so do share or tag anyone in the comments who'd be interested.

Anyone who lives, works, learns or visits around the River Coquet can also contribute to our research through an online survey and other pop up events around the catchment.

Comment below or get in touch if you'd like to know more. 👇

23/03/2026

Three uplifting days in the North Pennines, with brilliant like minded business women.

We had incredible guest speakers and rooms filled with passionate and enthusiastic women in rural enterprise.

The conversations and energy were truly inspiring, we are looking forward to what opportunities come next…

19/03/2026

10/03/2026

We’re looking forward to being in Allendale with the North Pennines National Landscape for our Rural Women in Business Workshop, on the 17th of March.

But if you’re wanting to keep the momentum going, there’s another brilliant opportunity that same evening.

The North East Enterprise Agency Ltd (NEEAL) is hosting an informal, practical event at Forge Studios for anyone at the very early stages of exploring a business idea.

If you’re thinking about turning a hobby, passion or side project into something more, this is a friendly place to start.
The session covers:
🟩 Building your brands visibility
🟩 Simple yet effective networking
🟩 Hearing from people who’ve done it themselves

You’ll hear from three speakers who’ve each taken the leap – some alongside paid work, some leaving employment to follow their passion.

And a real bonus: Jeni Smith from NetKno will be there to share her down-to-earth approach to networking for business.

It’s a great chance to learn, ask questions and meet others starting out.

So if you’re joining us in Allendale earlier in the day, there’s a perfect follow-on waiting for you just down the road.

Book onto both events via the comments below — we’d love to see you there! ⬇️

06/03/2026

🌱 Workshops for rural women in business🌱

We’re teaming up with the North Pennines National Landscape to run a series of free workshops for rural women in business this March 17th 18th and 19th, in Allendale, Eggleston and Melmerby.

Each session is led by inspiring rural businesswomen who’ll open up honest conversations about what’s needed to thrive — from day‑to‑day realities to future ambitions.

If you’re running a business in a rural area, or thinking about starting one, you’re very welcome to join us.

For more information on and to book use the link below ⬇️

24/02/2026

We’re pleased to be working with the North Pennines National Landscape on a series of events bringing women in rural business together for a day of learning, support and good conversation.

Join us for a practical workshop where you can build strong networks, hear from other women in business and grow the confidence to make your voice heard.

Sign up through the link in the post — we’d love to see you there.