Survey

Category 1

Local Communities

The first section aims to understand how the community connects and supports its members. Rural communities, which consist of established families, newcomers, and businesses, collaborate to provide peer support and foster strong connections.

These communities actively contribute to and support each other, creating a dynamic mix of long-time residents and new arrivals. They repurpose resources and infrastructure to meet current needs and address digital skills gaps, ensuring everyone can fully participate in the modern economy. By promoting a balanced, attractive lifestyle and creating a supportive, healthy environment, they aim to overcome barriers and build a thriving, interconnected community where everyone can succeed.

Question 1

Understanding community needs

How are local businesses adapting to the diverse demands and expectations of different community segments, including stayers, day trippers, commuters, second homers, and engaged newcomers?

Question 2

Digital skills

To what extent are digital skills levels important within communities?

Question 3

New generations

To what extent do current mechanisms or initiatives involve communities in supporting the return of young entrepreneurs, as well as attracting individuals from different backgrounds who may not have rural ties but interested in contributing to rural development?

Question 4

Knowledge sharing

How actively do businesses and community members participate in knowledge-sharing activities, such as workshops, forums, or mentorship programs, to enhance mutual support and learning?

Question 5

Peer support

To what extent do members of local communities in rural areas across the UK actively engage in providing peer support for rural business and connecting with each other to address common challenges?

Question 6

Collaborative efforts

How well do local communities collaborate with external entities, such as policymakers and support organisations (e.g., Community Development Trusts, Local Chambers of Commerce, Local Business Associations, Business Incubators, and Educational Institutions, among others) to collectively overcome challenges and create an environment conducive to business growth?

Category 2

Community Resources/Assets

This section seeks to understand the diverse resources within rural communities that contribute to their growth and prosperity. These include historical places, existing networks, buildings, and infrastructure that enhance connectivity and accessibility.

Historical sites and cultural landmarks attract tourism and foster community pride. Networks support collaboration and innovation, while buildings and infrastructure ensure accessibility and economic opportunities. Recognising and utilising these assets is essential for building a more resilient rural community.

Question 1

Connectivity

To what extent is the ease of access to local resources and infrastructure aligned with the diverse needs of rural businesses, considering not only digital aspects but also physical transport, logistics, and overall accessibility?

Question 2

Underutilised spaces

How effectively are existing business hubs and underutilized spaces within local communities being diversified to provide essential services and network support?

Question 3

Adapting existing infrastructure

To what extent is existing infrastructre sufficiently flexible and equipped to accommodate changing business needs, shifts in business models, industry trends, and emerging opportunities?

Question 4

Historical assets 1/2

To what extent do community members take pride in local assets, such as historical monuments, natural landscapes, and industrial heritage, viewing them as valuable resources for community identity and cohesion?

Question 5

Historical assets 2/2

To what extent are historical assets integrated into marketing efforts to attract businesses and showcase the unique historical identity of the community?

Question 6

Community Networks

How effective are existing community networks in facilitating communication, collaboration, and the exchange of information among residents, businesses, and local authorities to maximize the potential of available resources?

Category 3

External Policies

This section discusses the external rural enterprise policies that affect communities, as defined by local and national authorities. These policies include regulations, programmes, and initiatives formulated to support rural businesses and promote community development.

Comprehending these policies is important to understanding their impact on rural communities and being aware of the available resources. By analysing these policies, communities can effectively utilise the available support systems and advocate for potential changes.

Question 1

Long-term policy

To what extent have policymakers actively evaluated trade-offs, such as pausing or delaying certain policy elements, to mitigate the impact of uncertainty on the effectiveness of external policies?

Question 2

Collaborative Policy Design

How actively have policymakers engaged with local rural communities and businesses in the design and formulation of external policies to ensure they are tailored to the specific needs of rural areas?

Question 3

Impact Assessment

To what extent have policymakers conducted a comprehensive rural impact assessment to understand the unique challenges and opportunities associated with the external policies for rural enterprises?

Question 4

Digital inclusion

In the context of external policies, to what extent have strategies been developed to address digital skill gaps specifically within rural communities, considering the rural-urban digital divide?

Question 5

Access to funding

Given the distinct challenges in rural areas, to what extent do external policies facilitate access to funding sources, specifically tailored to the needs of rural entrepreneurs, acknowledging potential knowledge gaps?

Category 4

External Support / Resources

This section focuses on the essential resources rural businesses need, provided by external agents and institutions that work with rural enterprises. These resources include funding, mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

External support is crucial for rural businesses to thrive. Funding ensures financial stability, mentoring and training offer guidance and skill development, and networking connects businesses with broader markets and collaborators.

Understanding these resources helps rural enterprises enhance their capabilities and achieve sustainable growth.

Question 1

Funding focus

To what extent do current external support initiatives actively address the awareness gap among rural entrepreneurs about the available support, especially for sole traders with limited time and energy?

Question 2

Integration of multiple resources

How are current external support programmes integrating environmental assets, physical infrastructure, and human capital into their thinking?

Question 3

Utilisation of physical hub spaces

How effectively are physical hub spaces utilized in the current external support framework?

Question 4

Access to information support

To what extent do community members find external support accessible and tailored to meet the specific challenges faced by a diverse community?

Question 5

Digital skills

To what extent do current external resources address the digital skill gaps in rural areas, and how are future initiatives adapting to ensure rural entrepreneurs can overcome digital barriers in an evolving business landscape?

Question 6

External support visibility

To what extent do community members feel engaged and informed about current external support interventions?

Finish!

Survey Complete!

One last thing...

What is the name of the rural area being assesed?

For example: Hexham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Rothbury or other.