We are researchers in the Intelligent Mobility Design Centre at the Royal College of Art. As part of our research, we are conducting a project called 'Engaging enterprises: community placemaking and transport planning", which has been externally sponsored by the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprises.

You are invited to take part in this research project which explores the following challenge:

The covid19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of our interconnected world – from the importance of our local communities to global trade, insecure jobs and our natural environment.

We would like your help to understand your philosophy, feelings and knowledge about the future, with a particular focus on rural communities, future transport and the success of your rural enterprise.

We are looking for entrepreneurs and business leaders who are working in, and with, rural communities in Northumberland and the Tyne Valley.

We will also connect you with the NICRE network where you can access research insights, toolkits to help develop your business and free training and skills workshops.

If you consent to participate, the project will involve:

- completing an online questionnaire
- joining two small online workshops with 4 or 5 other rural entrepreneurs or business leaders (each lasting approximately 2 hours)

During these activities we want to hear your perspectives, share knowledge and develop creative responses to the future of rural communities and the transport and systems that link you together.