Working Group 5.2

Rural Businesses and Sustainable Ruralities

Convenor:
Jane Atterton, Newcastle University jane.atterton@ncl.ac.uk

Diversified rural economies typically comprise a multitude of small firms most of which are not directly engaged in agriculture. How important are these non-farm businesses to sustainable ruralities, and what are the characteristics of rural localities that help sustain rural businesses?

Rural areas often demonstrate high levels of new business formation, and rural firms can be vital sources of local services and employment. They contribute to the diversity and flexibility of local economies. They often serve local markets and source their supplies locally. However, because rural businesses may not individually be generating big profits or providing large numbers of jobs their contribution to economic development may be overlooked. They and their business support needs are frequently ignored by (agriculturally-oriented) rural development agencies and (urban-oriented) regional development agencies. To overcome this neglect, it is important to gather evidence and analysis concerning the economic contribution and sustainability of rural businesses.

Papers are invited that respond to the following questions: What varied economic and social contributions do non-farm businesses make to sustainable ruralities? What are the main barriers facing individuals wishing to start up a new business in the countryside? What kinds of opportunities are new businesses taking advantage of? In what ways are small businesses in rural areas working collaboratively to overcome the challenges of their rural location? Are there examples of development and support agencies responding in innovative ways to the needs of small businesses in rural areas? Answers to these questions are needed to show how diversified rural economies contribute to the development of the regions in which they are located, not just as areas of consumption, but as areas that are attractive locations for growth oriented businesses operating across a broad range of sectors.