The National Rural Enterprise Centre (NREC), currently a department of the RASE (Royal Agricultural Society of England), is to break away and form its own independent charity called ruralnet|uk.

“For twelve years the RASE has nurtured and grown the NREC to the stage where it is now a viable and thriving operation in its own right,” says RASE chief executive Mike Calvert. “With the creation of the new rural Ministry DEFRA, and with a shift of political and policy focus from agricultural production to the wider rural economy the time has never been better for this move.”

Both Mike Calvert and NREC director Simon Berry are keen to stress that this is a considered and friendly move. “This is not a divorce, but an amicable parting of the ways,” says Simon Berry. The close RASE/NREC relationship will continue, but with project funding coming from the society rather than the current blanket underpinning of finance and administrative support. The move follows the same path trodden in years past by bodies such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and Rural Housing Trust which were once integral parts of the RASE but which are now free standing and highly successful.

The NREC employs 16 people engaged in a range of projects supporting rural communities, organisations and micro businesses. It has developed leading edge expertise in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) to underpin its work. Its greatest success has been the creation of RuralNet, an internet based community that links 1300 organisations and individuals involved in economic and social regeneration.

With a strong NREC operationally separate from the RASE, the Society will be free to concentrate on its three core charitable objects. “Education, technology transfer and activity in the crucial policy debate on rural areas must be our tight focus from now on,” says Mr Calvert.

More information from RASE Press Office on 024 7685 8279.

Reaction to NREC’s forthcoming independence

Below are just a few of the comments we have received from people on hearing that the NREC is to go independent from the Royal Agricultural Society of England:

“Congratulations! I know this is the beginning of the next stage of your great work”.
Gil Gordon, Teleworking Consultant, USA.

“Watch this fledgling fly!”
Martin Dudley, Research & Innovation Services.

“Good luck with the changes”.
Cheryl Orton, Resource Manager, Citizens Online.

“Interested to hear about developments at NREC - good luck in your new role”.
Jonathan Selwyn, Executive Director, UK CEED.

“I picked the notice off xPRESS News and we all hope that this move will enhance the future for the NREC and we look forward to continuance of our good relationship”. Peter Jones, Director, ViRSA Educational Trust.

“Congratulations. Sounds like a progressive and exciting step, and will no
doubt see you busier than ever!”
Brian Ford, Registrations Manager, Jurox.

“Congratulations on the news - I am sure there are exciting and successful
times ahead”.
Alan Denbigh, Executive Director, Telecottage Association.

“Congratulations on your NREC website - really smart, clear and informative”.
Amy Chamier, Ribanet Development Adviser, RIBA.

“Congratulations and every success with your independent venture”.
David Williams, Warwickshire County Council