Chamber welcomes call to improve support for rural business
06/06/2008
The Chamber, which represents businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton, has welcomed a report by the Government’s Rural Advocate, Dr Stuart Burgess, which calls for improved support for rural businesses. In his report Dr Burgess highlights the enterprising nature of rural people and the diversity of successful firms. According to the research, rural areas host around 30% of England’s businesses and in 2005 earned some £325 billion.
Commenting on the report, Richard Collyer, the Chamber's head of economic development, said:
'Rural businesses are an extremely important part of our local economy. The Chamber believes the key is to take an approach that integrates the needs of rural and urban businesses. This is particularly appropriate in an area like Bedfordshire and Luton where we have profoundly rural environments cheek by jowl with major urban development.'
The Chamber has demonstrated its commitment to the rural economy in a number of ways, not least its involvement in the Greensands Ridge steering group. £4m was allocated to the project, part of which is aimed at helping rural businesses set up and prosper across an area from Leighton Buzzard to Sandy. In addition, the business support organisation was involved with Shuttleworth College in securing money from Investing in Communities to develop rural business. It has also worked in partnership with a number of organisations with a rural focus such as Groundforce and the Green Business Network.
Says Richard Collyer:
'The report talks about lifting the performance of rural business, something we are very committed to working towards with our partners. We would be failing in our duty to our local economy if we did not take notice of this vigorous and innovative area. The Rural Advocate suggests increased consultation with business, among others, to look at how the performance of rural economies can be improved. The Chamber would certainly welcome the opportunity to comment and be part of the process in Bedfordshire and Luton.'
