Rural Forum
What are our Objectives?
- To strengthen and develop the sub-region’s rural economy;
- To stimulate and support innovative and dynamic rural enterprise within the sub-region;
- To increase skills levels and the take-up of learning opportunities;
- To help rural businesses and communities adapt to changing conditions;
- To encourage collaboration;
Established in 1997, the Rural Forum is an effective partnership of public and private organisations which work together to support and strengthen rural businesses in the Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire sub-region.
The Forum’s Vision: the Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire sub-region will have the most prosperous and vibrant rural economy in the West Midlands.
How do we meet these Objectives?
- Facilitating joint working between partners, and the development of collaborative projects and programmes;
- Striving to understand real rural business needs in order to provide relevant, integrated business support;
- Supporting the Warwickshire Rural Hub, its events and activities which assist rural businesses in their development, particularly in innovative ways of working;
- The operation of a referral and information mechanism for rural business support;
- The development of business-led, collaborative networks which respond to current and emerging market needs;
- Identifying and disseminating good practice in rural development;
- Adopting an influencing role for local, sub-regional, regional, national and EU policy;
The Rural Forum’s work, including its significant financial support for the Warwickshire Rural Hub, is entirely funded by its members. It is based at Stoneleigh Park, its home and other support services provided by the Royal Agricultural Society of England.
What is the unique relationship between the Rural Forum and the Warwickshire Rural Hub?
The Rural Forum is a partnership of organisations working in the rural economy. The Hub represents the interests of farmers and rural businesses. The Hub has become the delivery arm of the Forum through organising practical events and workshops and facilitating business-led initiatives. The unique relationship brings strategy and delivery together and makes it work for the benefit of businesses.
“The most effective way the Forum and Hub can serve rural businesses is
to provide joined up services, geared to their needs and delivered where and
when they want them.”
Jef Tuyn, Forum Chairman
The success of the Forum is due to our partners who contribute a significant amount of time and resource to the activities and management of the Forum and Hub
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| The Rural Forum Executive Group: | |
| Jef Tuyn | Rural Forum Chair |
| Louise Alton | Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Partnership |
| Steve Bellingham | Natural England |
| Darren Cope | Advantage West Midlands |
| John Dale | Rugby Borough Council |
| Terry Draycott | Private Sector Representative |
| Hilary Goodreid | North Warwickshire Borough Council |
| Jamie Inglis | Advantage West Midlands |
| Mike Lenihan | Rugby Borough Council |
| Henry Lucas | Warwickshire Rural Hub |
| Joanna Righton | Royal Agricultural Society of England |
| Carrie Robbins | Rural Forum & Warwickshire Rural Hub |
| Roy Shearing | Warwickshire County Council |
| Torin Spence | Coventry & Warwickshire Learning & Skills Council |
| Dennis Stanley | Warwickshire College |
To find out more about the achievements of the Rural Forum and Warwickshire Rural Hub please download the following Annual Reviews:
