Attracting Entrepreneurs to the Rural Sector; With Particular Reference to the Rural NorthEast

摘要

Purpose: To investigate levels of rural in-migration and its causes: to then provide key information to attract entrepreneurs to rural areas. Design/Methodology/Approach:The study involved a review of enterprise and migration data and related literature, plus a telephone survey of 226 self-employed in-migrants. The use of focus groups, in-depth telephone interviews and case-studies further amplified the information gained. Findings: Significant in-migration of entrepreneurs into rural areas has occurred, although a considerable proportion only became entrepreneurs out of necessity, having already in-migrated. The key factor attracting in-migrants was found to be "quality of life', both from the environmental and community points of view. Regional support services for in-migrants was found to be limited. Research Limitations/Implications:A limited amount of specific research and information was found to exist concerning rural entrepreneurs, especially on a regional, localised basis. Practical Implications: There is need for specific, accurate data to be generated by those involved in strategic, regional business development. Originality/Value: Original survey and case-study work was undertaken to partially fill the existing gap in rural entrepreneur information.