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Rural economic
growth remains fragile
INVESTMENT in agricultural
and rural businesses could be lower over the next 12 months leading
to restricted growth, according to a new survey by the CLA and
Smiths Gore.
The Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the
countryside during the first quarter of 2012 to provide a snapshot
of rural economic life for agricultural and non-agricultural
sectors.
The survey found that while business confidence is increasing, with
85% reporting the same or higher sales in all sectors, lower levels
of investment in a fragile rural economy remain a worrying factor
for more than a quarter of both business types.
Rural businesses, such as property and tourism enterprises, reported
higher confidence with almost one third feeling more optimistic than
last year and 15% expecting to increase employment.
Agricultural businesses surveyed said that employment will remain
stable, with 79% looking to maintain job numbers at the current
level. 41% reported stable profits, with 34% anticipating higher
profit margins.
CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said:- "Rural
areas were last to enter the recession and there are no significant
signs of recovery yet. However, confidence is returning but it is
slow and happening in a very fragile trading environment."
Miss Fairburn added:- "A lack of investment over the next
12 months could have a detrimental impact on business growth and the
potential to diversify. The results from the Index highlight the
need for the Government to implement its growth strategy as soon as
possible."
Jason Beedell, Head of Research at Smiths Gore, said:- "The
Index shows that a significant proportion of rural businesses are
still experiencing challenging trading conditions with only about a
third of businesses expecting a better 2012 than 2011. Local
and national government can take action to make doing business
easier – such as the recent pro-development National Planning Policy
Framework and reducing red tape. But we would like to see more
action, especially from local government." |
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Spring Clean and
Recycle
WITH winter long gone and
Spring well and truly here, Palm Recycling is reminding Sefton
residents, who get the urge to de-clutter whilst spring cleaning to
take advantage of the weekly kerbside recycling service.
The clocks go forward, the nights get longer and we all get a little
more motivated to do a bit of tidying up, but what might seem like
rubbish can actually be recycled.
Gail Ormston, Promotions Officer with North West-based Palm
Recycling said:- "Now is a good time to clear all sorts of
clutter and unwanted items such as old magazines and out-of-date
shopping catalogues, which can be put out for collection in the blue
bag. Old clothes lurking from the 1980s, or even last year together
with household textiles like curtains can be placed in the pink
textiles collection bag and put out with your green box."
Ruairi Holyoake, Sefton Contract Manager, Palm Recycling, Palm,
said:- "The recycling crews will take extra carrier bags of
glass bottles and jars, paper and cans. Just put them out with your
green box on collection day"
Gail added:- "Sefton residents are doing really well recycling
over 40% of waste, however there is still more we could be doing
with many more things recyclable through the weekly kerbside
recycling service. Please don't be tempted to throw anything
recyclable in the bin. If your recycling containers are full every
week, please ring the Helpline on 0845 140 0845 to request an extra
box and bags for your recycling, free of charge. If you are
interested in recycling more, please ring the Helpline for advice." |
