An independent enquiry has found that there is a strong belief throughout the south west that helping the rural economy is the key to raising the region's productivity.

The South West Rural Productivity Commission Report was launched by four south west Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) at a summit attended by stakeholders in the region's business community.

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The commission found huge potential for economic growth if key opportunities are seized and challenges addressed. The new report shows examples of tangible projects that will deliver benefits throughout the community.

The most important findings of the report are:

• Digital connectivity presents a game changing opportunity but without further urgent action businesses and communities will become left behind

• Smart technologies have the potential to create solutions to many of the challenges faced by rural areas and the development of an innovation platform on a regional scale has the ability to create higher value jobs

• The rural SW hardworking and entrepreneurial culture, coupled with its stunning natural environment, with the right support, can become a hothouse of enterprise

• The region's agri-food-tourism economy is a strength upon which it can build globally recognised propositions as the place to start and build and grow a food business

• There are genuine concerns that the south west's rural communities are spiralling downwards towards ‘fossilised retirement villages’ unless government and local leaders take prompt action. Local and national policy must move away from the ‘one size fits all’ approach that fail to recognise that rural areas are different.

• Brexit has the potential to shake the foundations of the area's rural economy – providing either a much needed boost or sudden economic shock. Now is the time for action if benefits in line with the commission’s recommendations can be reaped

The Chair of the South West Rural Commission, David Fursdon, said: “The rural economy is integral to raising the productivity of the south west, and this report highlights how rural prosperity can be tackled alongside urban growth, to bring about prosperity for all in every part of the economy.

“We’ve looked at what sectors are involved, what opportunities there are for growth - and what barriers are faced – including issues around housing, jobs, transport, skills and demographics.

“If we are looking at the need for vital infrastructure to underpin growth, we need to look no further than digital connectivity, which must be the priority for all parts of our rural areas.

“We explored what the implications of Brexit might be, as well as the potential for developing innovative clusters to harness any opportunities for the future, including the potential for companies ‘scaling up’.

“We’ve heard from a broad range of people and organisations that they share a strong belief that helping the rural economy is the key to raising the productivity of the south west. Our report shows how this could work and give it the attention that it deserves.”

The commission was set up to hear and review evidence from a range of sources and stakeholders to frame the south west response to the Industrial Strategy and forthcoming DEFRA 25 year plans for ‘food, farming and fisheries’ and ‘environment’, draw out opportunities to drive rural productivity improvements, understand functioning between rural and urban distinctions, secure government support for specific initiatives in the autumn statement and influence national and local policies where appropriate to improve rural productivity.