In line with the Defra Rural Strategy it is critical to ensure that national, regional and local policies are suitably rural-proofed so as to promote enterprise in rural as well as urban areas. Several rural areas of the East Midlands, in particular the “lagging districts” have structural economic weaknesses and associated poor social conditions, particularly in terms of social isolation and exclusion.
Success Matrix has specific experience in countering these challenges through targeted area-based policies designed to maximise the effectiveness of public funding and the ability of partner organisations to support and promote new business development, improve skills and build local community capacity.
These economic development projects do not just seek to combat market failures but simultaneously work to reinvigorate the civil societies of rural areas, creating sustainable communities and shared social capital across the various strata of rural areas. Examples of these projects include ARL and Focus for Business in South Holland.
In addition, Success Matrix works closely with rural institutions such as EMRAF, WiRE and several RDPE Local Action Groups, such as the Rural Action Zone in South Holland and the Coastal Action Zone in East Lindsey.
For example of recent and current projects see: