RED Talks

Rural Policy Group is the home of RED Talks - Rural Economic Development Talks. The world is in a state of flux and RED Talks will address the issues rural business owners, farmers and landowners are facing. RPG and its professional partners will explore the current issues facing rural businesses, seek interim solutions and look towards the future of the rural economy and rural policy to shore up rural now and for generations to come.

RED Talks are virtual debates held on Zoom and last approximately one hour. Information and advice from a panel of politicians, business people, professional advisors and policy wonks drawn from rural industries is followed by an open floor for attendees to ask questions or offer their own contribution to the topic. It's one third us; two thirds you.

Upcoming Talks

10th September '20 | 10:30amThe Death of CSR?

New models for responsible and ethical corporate behaviours are emerging. We look at the new thinking and ask whether it marks the end of CSR for rural businesses, and look forward to what ELM means for agriculture and countryside enterprises.

8th October '20 | 10:30amRural Tourism

The United Kingdom is has an abundance of forests, beaches, mountains and countryside to discover. We take a look at how COVID-19 and the measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus have impacted the rural leisure industry, its rural supply chain and the local economies which depend on tourists. More details coming soon.

5th November '20 | 10:30amSocial and Rural Health in the Wake of COVID-19

As the financial and social consequences of coronavirus become ever more evident, we will be discussing social health and food poverty in rural communities. More details coming soon.

3rd December '20 | 10:30amOmnichannel Retail this Christmas

The Spring lockdown had a devastating impact on retailers and hopes are being pinned on Christmas to recover the year. We will be looking at how the retail economy has fared since non-essential shops were allowed to re-open on 15th June, how new health and safety measures have changed the shopping experience in stores, whether the uplift in online spending has stuck and Christmas predictions. More details coming soon.

Past Talks

Watch some of our past talks

2nd July '20 | 10:30amAgritech & The Future of Food
New tech, the competitiveness of British food after Brexit, the workforce of tomorrow, the changing farming landscape, consumer education about food & govt support. With Neil Parish, MP & EFRA Chair.
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15th June '20 | 2:00pmThe Business of Pets in a Post- COVID19 World
Ecommerce, the future of the high street and omnichannel business models in the pet industry. A RED Special for Virtual Petindex with the Pet Industry Federation.
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11th June '20 | 12:00pmCreating Good Mental Health
The importance of creating a culture of mental wellness, how to look after your mental health and the business benefits of employee wellbeing. With Sir Norman Lamb.
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21st May '20 | 12:00pmHow Coronavirus is Changing Our Food System
Cultural and logistical changes lead to questions around how to fix our broken food system - with Daniel Zeichner, MP and Shadow Defra Minister.
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30th April '20 | 12:00pmHealthy People For Healthy Business
Health and employee wellbeing as a business strategy for economic success.
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16th April '20 | 12:00pmCash in the Coronavirus Climate
Government support and business strategies for survival.
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RED Talks

Upcoming Talks

Past Talks

Watch some of our past talks

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