More than a quarter of rural business owners are worried about the level of investment in rural areas.
The CLA and Smiths Gore’s Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the countryside during the first quarter of this year and found that, despite higher confidence, lower levels of investment are still a worry for rural businesses.
More than four-fifths of rural business owners reported the same or higher sales in all sectors but a quarter felt that lower levels of investment in a fragile rural economy were still a concern.
“A lack of investment over the next 12 months could have a detrimental impact on business growth and the potential to diversify,” said CLA President Harry Cotterell.
“The results from the Index highlight the need for the Government to implement its growth strategy as soon as possible.”
