Rural Renaissance Scheme for Gloucestershire

Programme adds £24m to County's economy

The four-year Rural Renaissance initiative, managed by Gloucestershire First, added a dramatic £24m in value to the county's economy, an independent evaluation has been confirmed.

The county-wide programme - which has now finished - used national and local government money together with investment from the private sector and 'in kind' support from voluntary and community groups to invest in 114 different projects to boost Gloucestershire's rural economy.

A formal evaluation of the programme shows almost all the original targets were exceeded or met, with some outcomes more than double that originally anticipated.

Outcomes included:

• The creation of 12,775 sq m of rural workspace (368% of the target achieved)
• 4,279 people have increased employability and business skills (96% of the target achieved)
• 512 jobs created or safeguarded (118% of the target achieved)
• Support for 439 childcare places (399% of the target achieved)
• 182 new businesses created (95% of the target achieved)
• 95 people supported into work (194% of the target achieved)
• Support for 94 social enterprises (116% of the target achieved)

To find out more about how Rural Renaissance successfully supported the county's rural economy, see the final evaluation report, the last 'Rural Renaissance Review' newsletter and videos (below) or read the case studies about a range of projects supported by clicking on 'How Rural Renaissance is Working in Gloucestershire' and follow the links.

If you wish to discuss any aspects of the Gloucestershire Rural Renaissance Initiative please contact the Gloucestershire First Rural Team on 01242 864149 or e-mail thriving.economy@gloucestershire.gov.uk

How Rural Renaissance has Worked in Gloucestershire Projects and areas of activity within the Gloucestershire Rural Renaissance Scheme