Rural Business Focus

In this episode, Ben Eagle is joined by Eric Elgersma and Natasha Foote to discuss the macro and global issues that will shape the world of rural businesses. They explore topics such as transition, connection, and the impact of European and global politics on rural businesses. They also discuss the trends of size and scale, collaboration, and the importance of being fit for purpose in the rural business sector. The conversation touches on the recent EU elections and the potential implications for rural businesses. Overall, the episode provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing rural businesses in the coming years. The conversation explores trends and themes in rural businesses. Key trends identified include a focus on sustainability, diversification of business models, local consumption, digital transformation, and generational renewal. The importance of infrastructure, both digital and physical, is highlighted. The discussion also touches on the role of government in rural areas, with a potential shift towards more regional and national decision-making. The concept of sustainability is discussed, emphasizing the need for both environmental and economic sustainability. The future of the rural workforce is explored, with a focus on automation and improving working conditions. The conversation concludes with a reflection on confidence levels in rural businesses, highlighting the passion and innovation of young farmers.

Takeaways

• Transition is a key factor that will shape rural businesses in the coming years, particularly in terms of food quality, consumer needs, environment, climate, and ownership consolidation.
• Connection is another important theme, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between EU policy and rural areas, as well as fostering connections within the agri-food chain and promoting sustainability.
• The recent EU elections have seen a rise in right-wing and far-right parties, which may have implications for the direction of green policies and the allocation of funds for rural areas.
• The trend of consolidation and the importance of being fit for purpose are key considerations for rural businesses. Being able to meet consumer needs, retain local support, and demonstrate sustainability are crucial for long-term success.
• The EU's focus on food security and the lessons learned from recent crises highlight the need for a re-evaluation of the role of agriculture and self-sufficiency within the EU.
• The de-ruralisation of the political voice in the UK and the growing divergence between political rhetoric and actual support for rural businesses is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
• Winners in the agri-food sector are those who can meet consumer needs, demonstrate sustainability, and invest in the future, while losers are those who fail to adapt to changing market demands and regulations. Trends in rural businesses include a focus on sustainability, diversification of business models, local consumption, digital transformation, and generational renewal.
• Infrastructure, both digital and physical, is crucial for the success of rural businesses.
• Sustainability encompasses both environmental and economic aspects and is essential for the resilience of rural businesses.
• Automation and improving working conditions are key considerations for the future of the rural workforce.
• Confidence levels in rural businesses are influenced by challenges but are also driven by the passion and innovation of young farmers.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk

Image credit: Femme Country Magazine

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk

Lucy Reeves, co-founder of Muddy Matches, shares her journey of starting a niche dating site for people in the countryside. She discusses the challenges of starting a dating site in the early 2000s and the stigma associated with online dating in rural areas. Lucy emphasizes the importance of persistence and the need to manage expectations in a niche market. She also talks about the evolution of Muddy Matches, from being a community platform to focusing solely on dating. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by niche dating sites and the importance of staying true to their niche. Muddy Matches is a unique online dating platform for people who love the outdoors and rural lifestyle. The founders, Lucy Reeves and Emma Royall, started the business in 2006 and have since created thousands of success stories, including long-term relationships, marriages, and even babies. The success of Muddy Matches is attributed to its focus on a specific niche and its commitment to providing a high-quality service. The business has grown organically through word of mouth and has recently launched a mobile app to reach a younger audience. The future plans for Muddy Matches include further development of the app and potential expansion into overseas markets.

Takeaways

• Starting a niche dating site in the early 2000s came with challenges and stigma, especially in rural areas.
• Persistence is key in the early years of a startup, and it remains important even as the business matures.
• Managing expectations is crucial in a niche market, where quality and quantity may be limited.
• The evolution of Muddy Matches involved focusing on dating and letting go of other community features.
• Niche dating sites face unique challenges and must stay true to their niche to differentiate themselves. Focus on a specific niche and provide a high-quality service to stand out in a crowded market.
• Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and happy customers are the best form of advertising.
• Be prepared for unexpected challenges and adapt your strategy accordingly.
• Maintain a strong connection with your target audience and listen to their feedback to continuously improve your business.
• Stick to what you know and do it well, rather than getting distracted by other potential ventures.

Image credit: Lucy Reeves, Muddy Matches.

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk

Make sure to check us out at RuralPod Media.

You can follow Rural Business Focus and contact Ben on Twitter @ruralbf_pod or on Instagram @ruralbusinessfocus

Please note that this podcast does not constitute advice. Our podcast disclaimer can be found here.

Have you thought about the benefits of podcasting for your business? If you want to find out more or work with Ben to make your own podcast or to organise some podcast training for your business visit ruralpodmedia.co.uk