WIREDGOV

As England has officially emerged from the recession, we would like to hear of your views and experiences on the sectors that are contributing to (or have the potential to contribute to) recovery and economic growth in rural areas.

These will inform our report which will be presented to the new Government in early June to encourage them to take into consideration the rural aspect when formulating and implementing future economic strategies and related support mechanisms.

We are particularly interested in finding out about the following:

• What are the growth sectors in your areas?
• Which sectors are contributing to recovery and growth? (Alternatively, can you identify companies demonstrating growth?)
• Where does the future lie?
• What are the comparative advantages/disadvantages (skills, access to finance, access to government schemes, research and development, knowledge, infrastructure etc.)?
• What can the public sector do to support these sector
• Are there any local support initiatives?
• Can you share with us success stories? What has been the secret of their success?
• What support have they received (if any)? What obstacles have they faced (if any)?
• What are the sectors that are experiencing problems?
• What are your experiences related to the future growth sectors that were announced in recent government papers (such as low carbon economy, care sector, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital economy and creative industries, business and professional services etc.)?
• Does your area have comparative advantages/ disadvantages?
  How can the government help?

Please e-mail us your views on the above questions and any other related issue you would like to raise by the Wednesday 31 March 2010 to elif.skinner@ruralcommunities.gov.uk