CLA report calls for fairer rights for businesses in Daventry

Standing Up for Rural Businesses was presented by president Ross Murray to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business in the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday).

The report demonstrates the vital contribution that rural businesses make to the countryside and to the wider economy, while highlighting four key priorities for rural areas relating to the current political agenda.

CLA East Regional director Ben Underwood said: “The countryside is buzzing with economic potential, but too often the 646,000 rural businesses in England and Wales are overlooked. We are the Cinderella of the UK economy.

“The CLA believes that successful rural businesses – from food, farming and forestry to tourism, leisure and retail – are the heartbeat that sustains our rural communities. That belief drives our commitment to standing up for rural business.

“Our vision is that a person setting up or growing a rural business in the eastern region should have the same opportunities as anyone seeking to do so in our towns and cities.”

He said ensuring rural businesses are able to meet their potential requires proactive investment, a proportionate regulatory framework and careful economic policy.

Mr Underwood added: “It requires government at all levels to include rural business in decision making.

“That is why we are taking these messages to politicians in Westminster and asking them to come and meet with rural business owners not just in the eastern region, but up and down the entire country.”

CLA president Ross Murray said: “Our ambition for our rural areas is no different to the rest of the economy.”