Wiltshire Enterprise Resilience and Recovery Team
The University of the West of England is working in partnership with Wiltshire County Council, this project aims to contribute to understanding and improving the performance of rural enterprise in Wiltshire. We are exploring the impact of Brexit and Covid‐19 patterns of working and their implications, challenges and opportunities for rural enterprise. And our research will then seek to co-create strategies and approaches that re-imagine future enterprise support and practices in rural Wiltshire. We are interested in hearing about the challenges you are facing in running and developing your business in rural Wiltshire. What support do you need? How could current support work more effectively for you? Rural areas are not just picturesque landscapes; they are vibrant hubs of economic and social potential. With 21% of the UK population residing in rural locales, it's time we recognise the unique challenges facing rural enterprises and work together to nurture their growth.
Our own research conducted earlier this year illuminated a mixed landscape of challenges and opportunities. While external factors like Covid and Brexit tested the resilience of rural businesses, many innovatively diversified their offerings, leading to unexpected growth trajectories. Wiltshire, with its unique geography, presents its own set of opportunities and obstacles. We're eager to hear from you: What are your firsthand experiences with the more physical aspects of enterprise resources needed to run a business here? From transport logistics to digital connectivity, from navigating planning regulations to securing grants and funds, every insight adds to our collective understanding how to ‘rural-proof’ policies and practices? Employers are striving to balance the benefits and challenges of hybrid work models, staff wellbeing and the ongoing quest to attract skilled individuals to rural Wiltshire. Tell us about the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff. What skills does your business require to grow? How do you navigate the ongoing wellbeing challenges faced by your team? How have you had to change working practices in response to these challenges?
Come and give us your feedback- stay for part of a session if time is limited. Could there be other ways to make support and information more accessible or simpler? What local resources and support mechanisms, including those provided by the local authority, can be leveraged to aid your rural enterprise?