Rural Regeneration
Rural regeneration is an important element of the work of the Economic Regeneration Business Unit. Staffordshire is a County which combines significant rural and urban elements - approximately 80% of its land area is rural and some 20% of its population is rural.
Although agriculture in direct terms only accounts for around 1% - 2% of employment and turnover in Staffordshire it has a profound impact on the shape of the County, through the wider economy - especially in the Food and Drink sector and in tourism and leisure.
A series of crises in the agricultural sector have led to significant difficulties, almost to the point where agriculture itself may be thought to be scarcely viable, with farm incomes dropping substantially over recent years.
A number of initiatives have been developed within the County to work towards the regeneration of its rural areas. These include the Staffordshire Rural Forum, and the Taste of Staffordshire initiative, which are detailed below.
Staffordshire Rural Hub
Staffordshire Rural Hub is a network for businesses that are serving a common purpose: the sustainability of the rural economy. The Hub has been set up to enable rural businesses to explore alternative business opportunities, so that they can make informed decisions, improve profitability and help to generate the rural economy. It works within the umbrella of Rural Hubs West Midlands, in a unique federation of the region's five county rural hubs.
The Hub is a free network which receives the majority of its funding from Advantage West Midlands. It has a dedicated Co-ordinator and administrator and runs practical events on subjects such as planning, grants and rural tourism.
For further information visit www.ruralhubswm.co.uk/staffordshire||| or contact Frances Beatty, Rural Hub Co-ordinator on 01785 255305 or frances@staffordshireruralhub.org|||.
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