Herefordshire Council has welcomed a national report highlighting the economic potential of rural areas and the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, businesses and skills to support future growth.

The report, published by the County Councils Network (CCN) and Grant Thornton UK, finds that England’s county and rural economies could have been £19 billion larger in 2023 if they had matched national economic growth between 2013 and 2023. 

Herefordshire Council is a member of the CCN, which represents the interests of county and unitary authorities across England.

It identifies poor transport connections, gaps in digital infrastructure, limited access to higher-paid employment and lower participation in adult education as some of the barriers preventing rural economies from reaching their full potential.

The findings reinforce the importance of Herefordshire Council’s ongoing work to attract investment, create employment opportunities and improve the infrastructure needed to support economic growth.

This includes the ongoing success of Hereford Enterprise Zone at Skylon Park, which continues to attract businesses and investment, supporting the development of one of the county’s key employment locations.

The council is also progressing Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park, which will provide new opportunities for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs, with the first phase of serviced development plots expected to become available in spring 2027.

Alongside investment in employment sites, the council is working on major transport improvements, while supporting employers and education providers to develop the skills needed by local businesses.

These projects form part of a wider approach to strengthening Herefordshire’s economy, supporting existing businesses and attracting investment in priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, defence, cyber, agri-tech and food production.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Councillor Graham Biggs, said:

“This report highlights something we have long recognised in Herefordshire – rural counties have enormous economic potential, but we need the right infrastructure, investment and opportunities to realise it.

“We are already seeing what can be achieved through projects such as Skylon Park, and we’re building on that success through Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park, improvements to our transport network and work to develop local skills.

“Herefordshire has ambitious businesses, a talented workforce and real strengths in industries that are important to the UK’s future. Our ambition is to attract further investment; create more better paid jobs and ensure our county has every opportunity to grow and prosper.”

The national report also calls for greater investment in county infrastructure and more local control over funding, skills and business support, arguing that rural areas should have access to opportunities comparable to those available to major cities.

Herefordshire Council will continue to work with businesses, education providers and regional and national partners to support sustainable economic growth and ensure the county is well placed to benefit from future investment.

Businesses interested in locating or expanding in Herefordshire can find out more at www.investinherefordshire.co.uk