Rural Business Growth

The team takes a lead on economic growth in rural areas of the county.

We work across a number of themes, including natural capital, energy, culture, place, and business support.

What we do 

The team supports the development of programmes and projects within these themes working with partners across the council and a range of external partners, to deliver benefits to the economy and communities across Northumberland.  

Support is provided, alongside others, to help the Economy and Regeneration Service deliver the following primary functions: 

  • Maximise opportunities to champion rural productivity and stewardship; 
  • Promote employability and inclusion, particularly for those furthest from the labour market; 
  • Promote Northumberland’s interests at regional and national level   
  • Provide advice and services which support the Council in its role as Accountable Body for external grant funding 
For example, we support the development and delivery of various regeneration programmes including: 
  • Various Borderlands Programmes, such as Hadrian’s Wall, Energy Master planning, Berwick Maltings, Walking & Cycling. 
  • Supports business/communities sustainability through energy investment/funding and energy advice 
  • Supports the Council's Climate Change programme and drive for Clean Growth.  
  • Supports the Great Northumberland Forest project and Local Nature Recovery Strategies 
  • Supports the North of Tyne Low Carbon Energy Programme 
  • Management of the Rural Business Growth Service and appraisal of applications for the Rural Business Growth Fund. 
Contact us 
If you have any queries please contact us at ruralbusinessgrowthservice@northumberland.gov.uk