1. Richard Ellis Chair, East of England Development Agency A New Rural Agenda – Moving in From the Margins 08 June 2006

2. a dynamic rural economy Employs larger workforce than whole of Belgium 25% of GDP and 33% of VAT registered businesses – from only 20% of population 80% of jobs based in manufacturing, public administration, final services, wholesale and retail An entrepreneurial and innovative countryside

3. Rural Enterprise Valley

4. challenges for a new rural agenda One in four rural households on income of £10,800/yr. One in eight rural adults lack formal educational qualifications, compared to one in six adults in urban England (2003) 20% of rural households in South and East have annual incomes below national average, 26% in North and West Must build economic and social framework to handle influx of new migrant workers attracted to countryside areas. Ensure access to employment for all, including most disadvantaged.

5. the role of Regional Development Agencies Place specific local needs within a long-term economic vision for the entire region. Provide energy, leadership and focus.

6. taking a mainstream approach More efficient Produces better alignment of funding streams Often leads towards more innovative thinking And ensures a level playing field

7. Increasing employment and skills levels Supporting new business start-ups Attracting inward investment Tailored business support through Business Links networks Regional Skills Partnerships overseeing supply of skills with economic demand

8. ADER ADER helped farmers Tony and Nicola Bulgin in Essex with a business plan, marketing strategy and an application for a Rural Enterprise Scheme Grant. The Bulgins have now built a new brand and a new business delivering straight to the door of customers

9. work in progress funding broadband solutions for remote rural areas Market Towns Initiative Modernising Rural Delivery programme Working to improve rural productivity Responsive to economic shocks New Rural Development Regulation from January 2007

10. a new rural agenda Nurture economic dynamism in rural areas. Ensure accessibility for all members of society. Take a strategic approach - empowering local communities by connecting them with the overall growth of the regional economy. Ensure that the rural viewpoint is mainstreamed across all policy.