RDI was formed in March 2005 to take on the hosting of a number of forest industry projects, including the two woodland initiatives, Northwoods and Yorwoods. Initially with 9 staff, the management team created Rural Development Initiatives Limited as a not-for-profit company which would not only take on the management of these two important partnership projects, but would expand to offer similar services to the wider rural sector.
The latent demand for RDI's unique offering was quickly realised, and turnover doubled from year 1 to year 2, and again from year 2 to year 3 of operations. From the initial forestry-focused projects, RDI has grown into a range of other sectors, including climate change, community development, farming, horticulture, renewable energy, environmental conservation and moorland management.
RDI are now a full-service project management company - with a not-for-profit focus on the many industries that go to make up the UK rural economy. From a number of regional offices and home based staff we are able to work across the UK. Our highly trained and experienced staff are able to design, develop and then implement complex projects involving multiple work streams, with activities ranging from training to business support, evaluation and market acceleration. Many of our staff have experience of working overseas, and particularly with European funding sources. We are also able to draw on a wide network of associate staff based in the UK, Europe and further afield.
All of the surpluses from RDI's activities are re-invested in the company, often providing much of the match funding that our publicly funded projects require.
We have a particularly stong track record in running training and workforce development programmes, many of which are profiled in the Case Studies section. You can read an overview of our learning and training activities in the Learning section. RDI are a National Training Award winner, and a registered centre with Lantra Awards.
RDI's Staff
Please follow this link to meet RDI's staff.
