Rural businesses hoping for post-AWM insight

RURAL businesses in the West Midlands could be set for an important insight into the future direction of rural regeneration in a post-RDA world.

The threat to the future of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has cast a cloud over urban regeneration in the region but the difficulties facing rural areas are just as relevant.

Among the many organisations backed by AWM is the Rural Regeneration Zone and the organisation stages its annual conference at Ludlow Racecourse on Friday.

Many businesses in rural areas fear their voice will be lost if the RDA is axed so delegates will be listening closely to AWM chairman Sir Roy McNulty when he delivers his keynote speech.

The theme for the conference is ‘Working together to deliver rural regeneration in a new era’ and the threat to AWM posed by the Government’s planned new Local Enterprise Partnerships will undoubtedly be the main topic of discussion.

The conference will be a crucial opportunity to assess how the RRZ is helping drive forward the rural economy post-recession as well as the political challenges that lie ahead.

One welcome note will be the commitment by the Government – announced in George Osborne’s first Budget – to roll out high speed broadband to rural communities.

Joining Sir Roy as speakers at the event are Ludlow MP Philip Dunne and Jon Dover, of Care Farming West Midlands.

Peter Pawsey, RRZ chairman, said: “We said in 2009 that we needed to be the catalyst for change and, despite a year of tough trading conditions and restrictions on funding, we have once again continued to drive regeneration in Herefordshire, Shropshire and parts of rural Worcester.

“Working with key partners from the public and private sectors, the Zone has been able to introduce innovative solutions to meeting long-term plans and the last twelve months has seen progress made on our key pillars of strong economy, environmental excellence, skills and increasing access to services.”

He continued: “The conference will give us a chance to reflect on 2009, but importantly help inform our future strategy as we enter another period of change with a new Government, the expected cuts in public sector spending and initial signs that we are emerging from the downturn.”

The event will feature a Question and Answer session, an exhibition of support providers and an ideas wall to collect key issues and opportunities from delegates.

There will also be four video case studies played during the event, which will bring to life some of the projects funded during the year, such as a new Multi-Use Facility, a media agency winning international work and Wem Town Hall’s impressive digital media training for the local community.

Mr Pawsey, left, said the region was lucky to certain extent because it was well ahead of many other rural areas.

However, he said that in order to stay ahead the Zone had to listen to the needs of people living in rural areas and react accordingly.

“We need to listen to the people, companies and community groups we serve and this is the best chance to gain all this information in a vibrant and informative environment,” he added.