Richard EllisChair, East of England Development Agency

A New Rural Agenda – ‘Moving in From the Margins’ 08 June 2006

a dynamic rural economy

Employs larger workforce than whole of Belgium

25% of GDP and 33% of VAT registered businesses – from only 20% of population

80% of jobs based in manufacturing, public administration, final services, wholesale and retail

An entrepreneurial and innovative countryside

Rural Enterprise ValleyRural Enterprise Valley

challenges for a new rural agenda One in four rural households on income of £10,800/yr.

One in eight rural adults lack formal educational qualifications, compared to one in six adults in urban England (2003)

20% of rural households in South and East have annual incomes below national average, 26% in North and West

Must build economic and social framework to handle influx of new migrant workers attracted to countryside areas.

Ensure access to employment for all, including most disadvantaged.

the role of Regional Development Agencies

Place specific local needs within a long-term economic vision for the entire region.

Provide energy, leadership

and focus.

taking a mainstream approach

More efficient

Produces better alignment of funding streams

Often leads towards more innovative thinking

And ensures a level playing field

Increasing employment and skills levels

Supporting new business start-ups

Attracting inward investment

Tailored business support through Business Links networks

Regional Skills Partnerships overseeing supply of skills with economic demand

ADER

ADER helped farmers Tony and Nicola Bulgin in Essex with a business plan, marketing strategy and an application for a

Rural Enterprise Scheme Grant.

The Bulgins have now built a new brand and a new business delivering straight to the door of customers

work in progress

funding broadband solutions for remote rural areas

Market Towns Initiative

Modernising Rural Delivery programme

Working to improve rural productivity

Responsive to economic shocks

New Rural Development Regulation from January 2007

a new rural agenda

Nurture economic dynamism in rural areas.

Ensure accessibility for all members of society.

Take a strategic approach - empowering local communities by connecting them with the overall growth of the regional economy.

Ensure that the rural viewpoint is mainstreamed across all policy.