On 27th February 2008 we hosted a seminar focused on rural evidence.
We looked at recent developments in the evidence base about the rural economy in the West Midlands, skills in the West Midlands and key issues for rural areas from a national perspective.
Rural economies in the West Midlands
Claire Robinson
Rural Policy Manager, Advantage West Midlands
In February 2007 Advantage West Midlands commissioned a study into the rural economy of the West Midlands, which had two key objectives:
- To complete an economic review of the region's rural economy, providing a clear picture of its health (or otherwise), and taking into account rural-urban interdependencies and the 'commuter effect'.
- To provide guidance relating to future rural policy and delivery in the West Midlands.
Claire's presentation (ppt, 2.6mb) drew out some of the key findings of this work and explained how this was feeding into the development of rural policy in the region.
Regional Skills Assessment 2007: rural profile
Andy Phillips
Head of Skills Research, West Midlands Regional Observatory
The Observatory's Skills Research team have completed their first review of rural skills (ppt, 339kb) to complement the Regional Skills Assessment 2007. This more detailed review of the issues helps shape the debate about the provision of training and the types of employment in rural areas.
Andy's presentation (ppt, 136kb) highlighted some of the key findings of the report and made the connections to the work commissioned by Advantage West Midlands.
Evidence for action: advice to strengthen rural economies
Roger Turner
Head of Rural Economies programme, Commission for Rural Communities
The Commission for Rural Communities' role is to provide well-informed, independent advice to government and ensure that policies reflect the real needs of people living and working in rural England, with a particular focus on tackling disadvantage.
The Commission was asked by the Prime Minister to provide a report on ways in which the rural economy can be strengthened. Roger's presentation (ppt, 1.66mb) drew on this work and other new research to give a national perspective to the event.
The event was chaired by David Collier of the National Farmers Union.