THE Government is to invest £20million in specialist training for rural entrepreneurs.

It is hoped at least 90,000 people will benefit from new knowledge and business skills, helping them to take up new opportunities in both the home and export markets.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: “Having the right skills to run a business is crucial if budding entrepreneurs are to be successful. For too long the needs of rural business people have been overlooked. Those days are now over.

Businesses in the most remote parts of the country will now have access to the best training so they can grow and help our country to compete even more successfully in the world.”

Defra will meet 70 per cent of training costs through its Rural Development Programme for England, with the remaining 30 per cent met by individuals or their employers.

Subsided courses in subjects including business and management, market opportunities and information technology will be open to businesses and individuals.

For further information visit defra.gov.uk.