Secretary of State urged to back North Yorkshire’s bid to be Rural Growth Network pilot
On a visit to North Yorkshire today (Monday 6 February), the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Caroline Spelman has been urged to back the county’s bid to be a Rural Growth Network pilot.

- Barry Dodd, Chair of the North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Secretary of State Caroline Spelman and Julian Smith MP
The Secretary of State was in the Skipton and Ripon constituency at the invitation of Julian Smith MP to show off the progress being made on broadband and launch the Go On North Yorkshire campaign.
During the visit to the Oakwood Business Centre in Bishop Thornton, Caroline Spelman was also asked to back the Rural Growth Network pilot proposed by the North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
The aim of the bid is to connect businesses in rural communities across North Yorkshire, give them superfast broadband, access to business support and promote a culture of enterprise.
Julian Smith said:
“On her visit, the Secretary of State spoke about the importance of making sure rural businesses have the best possible support and the same opportunities as firms in urban areas.
“That is why I am encouraging her to back North Yorkshire’s bid to have a Rural Growth Network in the county. I believe it would help stimulate growth and encourage more businesses to set-up and move to this part of the country.”
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