|
The Economic Development Office (EDO) of Hampshire County Council is a team of professionals who provide a unique support service to Hampshire's business community and continues to increase the awareness of Hampshire as a business-friendly location.
In terms of its geographical area, Hampshire is a predominantly rural county so, to reflect this, the EDO leads on a number of initiatives and programmes designed to support our rural economy.
Local Food
Hampshire County Council supports local food producers through county food group Hampshire Fare. Hampshire Fare increases awareness among the public and trade of the wide range of local produce available through marketing activities such as the annual Hampshire Food Festival. The group also develops initiatives to incorporate local food and drink into public sector menus.
Market Towns
Hampshire County Council works with partners, to deliver funding to Hampshire to benefit some of its small rural towns. The EDO works in several Hampshire towns including New Milton, Alton, Whitehill and Bordon, Whitchurch, Stockbridge and Alresford.
Village shops
The Hampshire Village Community Grant Scheme is delivered by Hampshire County Council and partners to provide better services locally for rural people and to improve access to essential services not available locally. Since the launch in April 2008 12 village shops have been awarded grants to the total of £172,000.
Shop in Hampshire
Hampshire County Council is partnering Newsquest in the Shop in Hampshire initiative which encourages shoppers to buy local. The website, www.shopinhampshire.co.uk, lists more than 6,000 independent businesses in 33 towns across the county, including phone numbers, web links, parking information and maps.
Details of the services and support available from the County's Economic Development Office can be viewed on www.hants.gov.uk/business
Cllr Jonathan Glen is the County Council’s Executive Member for Skills and Economic Development and Human Resources.
He said: "Hampshire County Council understands the importance of the rural economy, and we welcome the opportunity to give recognition to rural businesses in the Winchester area, through our support of this award in the Winchester Business Excellence Awards. We encourage rural businesses in the district to come forward to enter the Rural Business of the Year award and showcase what they do. We anticipate another very difficult job again judging this year's entries! "
|
