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Rural businesses across North East England are being urged to help assess the impact of the economic slowdown for the region’s rural economy – in what researchers hope will be the biggest survey of its kind.
The survey, being launched by the pioneering Northern Rural Network, is inviting any rural businesses - from sole traders, farms and start-ups to larger firms, consultants and long-established operations – to answer a range of questions about how issues such as the credit crunch, changes in fuel prices, the wet summer and the planning system are affecting their operations and plans for the future.
The results will inform work to tackle the challenges facing rural businesses, and to promote their importance in the wider North East economy.
Jane Atterton of the research team said: “This survey has been designed to allow us to build a comprehensive picture of the current state of the rural economy, but it is manageable for businesses to complete.
“The more businesses that get involved the more powerful the results will be, and the stronger the voice of the rural economy.”
The survey builds on the success of the first North East Rural Business Survey, which was undertaken by the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University in 1999 with input from almost 2,000 firms.
The results provided a unique insight into the character and resilience of rural businesses, and were particularly important in helping to shape the national and regional responses to Foot and Mouth disease.
One North East’s Rural Policy and Partnerships Manager, Frances Rowe, said: “The Northern Rural Network is an important way for businesses to share information and in the tough economic conditions we’re experiencing, it’s never been more important to have an accurate picture of the issues facing rural businesses and how they see their future plans developing, to inform future policy and investment.”
The Northern Rural Network - run by the Centre for Rural Economy and supported by One North East and the Northern Rock Foundation - gives businesses in the region access to the latest research into rural and regional development, and promotes the region in the UK and abroad as a centre for excellence in the field.
It has more than 1,000 members from the North East and neighbouring regions, and is unique within England. It is the only regional learning network which brings together academic and applied research on rural economies and business with rural enterprises, voluntary and public agencies – and is currently being used by Cornell University as a model to inform a pilot network in New York State.
All businesses taking part before 15th December will be entered into a free prize draw to win one of three £70 restaurant vouchers.
To take part, visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/cre/ or contact the research team on 0191 222 6460
For more information, contact the survey team by emailing ruralbusiness.survey@newcastle.ac.uk
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