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Harriet Kelsall
19th July 2010 13:17

Running a rural business - 'Is that bridal jewellery or bridle jewellery?'

 

As the owner and director of a successful rural business employing over 30 people across two locations in the East of England, I was approached recently by Business Matters who asked me if I'd like to become a regular columnist.

Fairclough Hall Farm
Jewellery Showroom

I jumped at the chance, as whilst I love having a business in the countryside and am a country girl at heart I do feel that rural businesses are sometimes given a raw deal.

Supporting rural business and the rural economy was an aim of the former Labour government and proposals laid out by the new coalition government suggest that efforts in this area are likely to continue.

And with business organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses actively supporting companies in rural areas via their 'Keep Trade Local' manifesto, it should now be easier than ever to run a rural business.

So why do businesses like my jewellery company, hailed by government-run organisations as a great example of a successful rural craft business, still struggle with seemingly insignificant issues?

I chose to start my business in the countryside because I wanted a location that was easy for people to drive to, close to the motorways so they can reach us easily from all over the country and close to the airports as I was already getting quite a few enquiries from overseas.

It is also easier to park in the countryside compared to urban areas, there are no one-way systems to negotiate and hardly any traffic, just the occasional stop at the village pond to allow ducks to cross the road or stop for a passing tractor.

Plus, being creative people, the natural forms around us are very inspiring. Rents can also be a little lower (although not much lower!) and I feel that employing local people and supporting local businesses like village shops and pubs is a good thing too.

Over the coming months, I'll be airing some of the issues I face on a daily basis as the director of a rural business, issues that cause significant problems and detract from the real business of running my company! Starting today with signage...See business matters for the signage article.

Harriet Kelsall
 

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  • North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP, England
    Phone: +44 (0)1462 790565 Fax: +44 (0)1462 790140 enquiries@hkjewellery.co.uk
  • 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU, England.
    Phone: +44 (0)1223 461333 Fax: +44 (0)1223 365269 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk

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